HCSO STREET RACING INITIATIVE NETS SEVERAL ARRESTS

HOUSTON, TX – Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Reserve Command conducted a street racing initiative this past weekend in southwest Harris County, resulting in the arrest of several drivers.

During the initiative, marked and unmarked patrol units with the HCSO Reserves targeted the area near Westheimer and State Highway (SH) 6 and along the Katy Freeway from SH 6 to the Ft. Bend County line.

The effort was in response to complaints from residents and traffic accidents associated with street racing in that area. The HCSO Reserve has conducted several street racing initiatives this year throughout the county.

Below are results from this weekend’s initiative:

Citations Issued:         22

Total traffic violations: 41

Arrests:                     10

     -  Street racing: 5 (Class B misdemeanor)

     -  Street racing with possession of a controlled substance: 1 (Class A misdemeanor)

     -  Street racing with Bribery: 1 (2nd degree felony)

     -  Street racing with Endangering a Child (4 year-old): 1 (3rd degree felony)

     -  DWI: 2 (both Class B misdemeanors)

Street racing is a class B misdemeanor. If found guilty, offenders will receive a fine of up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail and have their license suspended. Repeat offenders can be charged with a second degree felony. Punishment includes suspension of their driver’s license and imprisonment of 2-20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

In street racing, passengers and spectators can also be punished.