Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Street Racing Has No Place on Our Roadways

Street racing is a dangerous and growing concern within our community that stretches to every corner of our region and far beyond our state.

Earlier this week, we joined our partners from the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office at Houston Raceway Park’s starting line to urge car race fans to practice their hobby on legal racetracks and not on our roads and highways.

The call for an end to the street racing and public road takeovers that have plagued our roadways comes as race aficionados converge in Baytown this week for TX2K21 Roll & Drag Race Nationals. TX2K has evolved into the premier streetcar event in the country, drawing thousands of car enthusiasts for the annual, days-long affair featuring roll racing, drag racing, and a car show.

This event has given drivers a safe and legal way to race each other and spectators a safe environment to cheer them on. It’s a controlled environment surrounded by experienced track officials and medical staff.

We stand shoulder to shoulder in our efforts to double down on our mission to keep racing on the tracks and off our streets. We’re grateful for responsible business owners and car enthusiasts, like Houston Raceway Park owner Seth Angel, who lead by example and put the safety of our community front and center.

We know the overwhelming majority of TX2K attendees understand how to have fun while respecting the safety of others. We know many are just as frustrated at those who make the misguided choice to race on the same roads our family and loved ones use every day.

We have seen the deadly consequences and devastation firsthand. Just last month, our patrol deputies and traffic investigators responded to a tragic incident that resulted in a crash that ended the lives of two teenage brothers and an onlooker visiting Houston from New Jersey.

In response to the growing problem, we established a Traffic Crimes Unit centered on every aspect of street racing culture, parking lot takeovers, and stunt driving. These deputies are on the front lines of shutting down aggressive drivers, responding to tips and areas of concern from residents, and working with our patrol districts and partners on conducting regular initiatives.

We will be out in full force throughout spring break targeting street racers. There will also be unmarked patrol vehicles and air support to assist with calls for service and to spot street races from the air.

Our dedicated Traffic Crimes Unit has written traffic citations, made felony arrests on charges that include reckless driving, racing on a highway, and deadly conduct, and made misdemeanor arrests for DWI and other offenses. Our deputies have also seized numerous vehicles that were used to commit these crimes.

As we’re making arrests, we’re also seeing other criminal activity.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has reportedly seen about 90 cars seized by law enforcement agencies participating in this joint initiative. Beyond seizing the cars, the District Attorney’s Office is moving to forfeit vehicles involved in at-risk car crimes.

For those seeking an outlet to relieve the stresses brought on by the pandemic; or those looking for a proving ground, Houston Raceway Park welcomes drivers to safely race on their track as many times as they want on any Friday night for just $20.

Public safety is a shared responsibility. You play a critical role in keeping your neighborhood safe and we rely on you to be the extra eyes and ears on your block.

We need your continued support. If you know someone who is racing or playing a part in organizing street takeovers, report them. For those encouraging or spreading the word about these underground activities, you can be a party to some of these crimes.

Report street racing activities:

If you’re a race fan, don’t give street racers an audience. It’s dangerous. It emboldens them.

If you’re attending TX2K21, don’t let the racing spill into the streets after the event.

Don’t risk your life or the lives of others. The short-lived adrenaline and thrill aren’t worth a lifetime of heartache and devastation if an innocent life is lost.

We cannot do this alone. This truly is a collaborative effort on all fronts. It takes all of us doing our part to address this serious issue.

Safety is our priority, and we stand together and ready to protect the residents we serve.

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