FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Conducts Operation to Address Illegal Street Racing

SALT LAKE CITY — Recently, the Salt Lake City Police Department and the Utah Highway Patrol conducted a coordinated operation to stop illegal street racing, which resulted in 15 arrests and 14 towed cars.

The Salt Lake City Police Department recognizes the Utah Highway Patrol and the SLCPD Pioneer Bike Squad, the SLCPD Gang Unit, the SLCPD Investigations Division and the SLCPD Patrol Divisions for assisting with this operation.

On Friday July 15, 2022, into the early morning hours of Saturday July 16, 2022, law enforcement saturated the area of 1100 South between 4800 West and 5500 West.

Illegal street racing events in Salt Lake City have previously drawn hundreds of people and have resulted in numerous criminal activities to include, but not limited to, reckless driving, illegal weapon possession, illegal gambling and aggravated assaults.

Known for its long and wide open streets, participants have flocked to the city’s industrial area of the Pioneer Division.

The vast amount of Salt Lake City’s growth during the past decade has centered in/around its industrial areas. The growth brings many 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operations and their workforce into the area.

Local businesses have been notably impacted by both the racing and the large crowds that gather to watch, gamble, and cheer them on. Roadway and private lot obstructions have impacted business operations, inhibited distribution of goods and critical materials, and effectively caused some businesses to close.

In 2020, the Salt Lake City Police Department saw a dramatic increase in calls for service for illegal street racing. Calls for service rose from 71 in 2019 to 409 in 2020. That is a 476% increase in just one year.

The Salt Lake City Police Department will continue coordinated and dedicated efforts between private and public stakeholders to mitigate street racing events and protect our communities from the greater harm that comes with street racing as staffing and resources allow.

The Salt Lake City Police Department continues to use steel construction plates on some roadways to help reduce the frequency of speed racing events.

Street racing can present many challenges for the Salt Lake City Police Department. Curbing these events requires significant resources – resources the SLCPD does not always have available while simultaneously trying to prevent other crimes and/or responding to quality of life issues for the city’s visitors and residents alike.

The arrests in this operation include speed contest or exhibition on a highway, failure to stop or respond at command of police, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, reckless driving, possession of controlled substance, hit and run, open container, and operating a vehicle without insurance.

Several photos from the operation are being released.

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