Dave Kerner, Executive Director
STATEWIDE NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
HSMV-MEDIA@FLHSMV.GOV
 TAMPA, Fla.- Last night, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) successfully responded to a request for assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), apprehending ten individuals during a coordinated street takeover event in Tampa. This criminal event was endangering the safety of the local community.
The event, which was organized via social media, drew a crowd of hundreds and a large number of participating vehicles. Participants closed an intersection to do donuts, drift, and engage in other knowingly illegal and reckless driving activities, resulting in the following:
- Ten arrests
- Four racing on highway charges
- Three-drug related charges
- Three-firearms recovered
- Six charges for passenger participation in a street race/takeover
- Four-vehicles impounded
- Recovery of over $6,000 in assets
The individuals arrested were:
- Jakob Bryan, 20, Land O’Lakes, Florida
- Jakiya Burr, 24, Lake Whales, Florida
- 17-year-old male juvenile, Wesley Chapel, Florida
- Jaewon Foster, 29, Haines City, Florida
- Ethan Marton, 20, Holiday, Florida
- Marquis Pinkins, 29, Haines City, Florida
- Alex Rodriguez-Lazu, 20, Lakeland, Florida
- Ramon Santiago, 20, Lakeland, Florida
- Jackson Tubbs,17, Tampa, Florida
- Grant Watson, 18, Wesley Chapel, Florida
 All images courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Those arrested were transported without incident to Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County, the juveniles were taken to the Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center.
Street racing and roadway takeovers are incredibly dangerous. They obstruct normal traffic flow and can prevent or deter emergency response, potentially putting lives at risk. Individuals taking part in events such as this can be charged with spectating, riding as a passenger, and, if driving, unlawful racing, in addition to many other charges regarding the reckless endangerment of others while they are behind the wheel.
If you encounter illegal street racing/ takeover or stunt driving, call *FHP (*347) or 911, and you will be immediately routed to the nearest dispatch center. Remain calm, pull over to the side of the road if it is safe to do so, and do not engage. If you have information regarding an upcoming event or can identify participants, please email StopRacing@flhsmv.gov and send any corresponding screenshots or documentation.
For additional information on the consequences of participating in roadway takeovers or street racing, visit: https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/stop-racing/
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