Two incidents in Richmond, that resembled something straight out of a “Fast and the Furious” movie minus the heists, led to dangerous driving conditions on city streets.
Four twentysomethings have been charged in two separate events that disrupted traffic and led to one injury on Saturday, Oct. 18. Warrants have also been issued for two other individuals involved, according to the Richmond Police Department.
“This kind of reckless driving is not just dangerous – it’s criminal,” said Rick Edwards, RPD chief. “If you choose to endanger others with these illegal, dangerous acts, you risk losing your vehicle.”
The police department is working with the Commonwealth’s Attorney office to seize and forfeit the vehicles involved in the alleged street/drag racing and burnout incidents.
“We will not allow a few reckless drivers to threaten the safety of our community,” Edwards said.
The first incident: West Broad Street
The PD describes the first incident as a large “car club” gathering that occurred at West Broad Street and Arthur Ashe Boulevard with multiple reckless drivers at the intersection, and spectators in the middle of the busy road.
An off-duty police officer observed the scene, and when officers arrived, one vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.
With aerial support, officers located and stopped several drivers near South 9th and East Canal streets.
The following individuals were charged in the West Broad Street incident:
- Jabez Ray, 20, of Virginia Beach: Reckless driving and failure to display front license plate.
- Roderick McCree, 22, of Woodbridge: Racing or exhibition driving; aiding or abetting. His vehicle was towed.
- Tyler Outlaw, 21, Moyock, N.C.: Summons issued for failure to display rear license plate.
Warrants were also obtained for two other individuals who were involved and stopped that night. The two offenders reside in other jurisdictions, and officers are working with law enforcement to serve those warrants.
The second incident: Forest Hill Avenue
At approximately the same time on Saturday, officers responded to reports of a second incident in the 4800 block of Forest Hill Avenue.
Drivers were performing burnouts in the street and driving dangerously with more than 200 spectators involved who were blocking the intersection.
One person has been charged in the Forest Hill Avenue incident:
- Michael Suarez Rivero, 22, of Springfield, was charged with reckless driving and having an altered license plate. His vehicle was towed for investigation.
Detectives are also investigating a felony hit and run that occurred at the location. An adult male reported that he was struck by a vehicle that was driving recklessly during the second incident. He was transported to a local hospital in a private vehicle with injuries that were not considered life threatening.
Anyone who may have witnessed the hit and run is asked to call Sgt. R. Misegades at (804) 646-3135 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
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Crystal Graham
