St. Pete Catalyst; Published By: Mark Parker
The St. Petersburg Police Department (SPPD) vowed to crack down on street racing after a 13-year-old boy died trying to cross the street during an event in January.
Assistant Chief Antonio Gilliam said an operation Saturday night – known as a “takeover” – was a chance “to make a statement” that the city has a zero-tolerance approach to street racing and would continue working to prevent another senseless death.
The SPPD, with help from the Pinellas Park Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol, made 69 arrests and impounded 23 vehicles during the operation. Investigative Information led officers to believe that Saturday night’s event was a prelude to a “takeover” of major intersections throughout Pinellas County.
Gilliam began this morning’s press conference by highlighting the “horrific” dangers of illegal street racing. A motorcyclist hit and killed Ethan Martin, 13, as he walked across 28th Street North near 110th Avenue Jan. 29.
“One would hope that such a tragic incident would serve to deter future illegal street racing,” Gilliam said. “Turns out that is not the case.” Read more
