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SLCPD Officers Arrest Driver, 18, Accused of Illegal Street Racing

SALT LAKE CITY — Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department safely arrested an 18-year-old man who is accused of illegal street racing.

“Illegal street racing is incredibly dangerous, not just for those racing, but for everyone around,” said Chief Mike Brown. “The risks of illegal street racing are simply too much. One wrong decision or move, or a mechanical failure, can lead to deadly outcomes. Those who participate in illegal street racing could face legal consequences, like losing your driver’s license, significant fines, and jail time.”

This investigation started around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, when officers responded to the area of 400 South and 5200 West on reports of a large group of street racers near businesses and blocking off parking lot entrances.

While on scene investigating, officers noticed two cars speeding towards them side-by-side. One car was in the correct lane, while the other was driving in the wrong lane. At first, both cars were stopped, but then they took off almost at the exact same time.

The two cars raced passed officers, including a Utah Highway Patrol trooper.

SLCPD officers and the UHP trooper conducted two separate traffic stops, resulting in two arrests.

The SLCPD officer arrested an 18-year-old man and booked him into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of illegal street racing.

Officers impounded the driver’s car as part of their investigation.

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.

Illegal street racing calls for service increased more than 54% in September 2024 when compared to September 2023.

Known for its long and wide-open streets, participants have flocked to the city’s industrial area of the Pioneer Patrol Division to engage in illegal street racing.

The vast amount of Salt Lake City’s growth during the past decade has centered in/around its industrial areas. This growth brings many 24-hour, seven-day-a-week businesses 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 support these illegal events. Roadway and private lot obstructions have impacted business operations, inhibited distribution of goods and critical materials, and effectively caused some businesses to close until the events end.

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.

Anyone with information about illegal street racing events can submit an anonymous tip using the CityProtect App.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

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