15 arrests made in weekend street racing sting in Hillsborough County: Authorities

TAMPA, Fla. - A street racing sting led to 15 arrests by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department over the weekend. 

Authorities with both agencies said they also made 23 citations and seized eight vehicles during the bust, which was dubbed "Operation Silent Knights."

The sting was conducted Saturday evening in response to an increased trend in street racing circulating on social media. Hillsborough County deputies said the "Tampa Bay Wet-N-Wild" social media event resulted in some street takeovers and reckless driving.

Officials saw cars doing "donuts" in intersections during the operation. Courtesy: HCSO

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Information about the event was shared on social media and drivers were encouraged to meet at illegally shut-down intersections for races and to perform stunts like "donuts" in front of an audience, according to officials. 

Deputies tried pulling some vehicles over after doing stunts, but they sped away. HCSO said deputies kept an eye on the drivers from the agency’s helicopter and were able to arrest them.

HCSO says the most notable arrests from the sting are 18-year-old Julias Lopez, 20-year-old Joshua Davis and 21-year-old Basel Hammad. All are facing multiple charges, including unlawful racing on a highway. 

Davis, Hammad and Lopez were all arrested during "Operation Silent Knights."

Both agencies say street racing is a growing problem in the Tampa Bay area.

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister released the follwoing statement:

"The actions of these street racers not only disturb the flow of traffic but endanger the lives of those who come out to watch, the drivers and passengers involved, and innocent, law-abiding citizens who are either in their cars or walking and biking in those areas," said Sheriff Chronister. "To those who think they can break traffic laws and put the lives of others at risk, know that we are watching you. We see you online and on the road."

Officials seized vehicles involved in street racing. Courtesy: HCSO

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Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw also released a statement follwoing the arrests: 

"The Tampa Police Department and our public safety partners work daily to ensure the streets are safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike," shared Chief Lee Bercaw. "Careless and reckless driving with complete disregard for the safety of others is unacceptable. It should be clear to anyone who thinks they can hold a street takeover anywhere in Tampa or Hillsborough County: we will catch, we will arrest you, and we will impound your car."

Anyone with information regarding the incidents from Saturday night or would like to report illegal street racing is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200 or the Tampa Police Department at (813) 231-6130.