HOUSTON, TX - The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Reserve, in collaboration with Precinct 5 Constable’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted an operation targeting street racers Saturday. The operation was held at the HCSO Mission Bend storefront located in the 7000 block of Highway 6.
The operation targeted street crimes associated with racing and aggressive driving. The project is in direct response to citizen complaints in the Mission Bend area and major street racing-related accidents resulting in death.
“This is not a zero tolerance traffic initiative,” said Chief Kevin Maples, head of the HCSO’s Reserve. “We are going after the select group of people who, for whatever reason, do not feel the traffic laws of the state of Texas apply to them. We will catch you and we will arrest you,” he emphasized.
Officers hit the streets Saturday night in search of offenders.
Several people stopped for traffic violations were arrested for warrants or drug possession.
At least one driver was cited for exhibition of speed -- revving and jack-rabbiting -- and was arrested on warrants.
At least one driver was cited for exhibition of speed -- revving and jack-rabbiting -- and was arrested on warrants.
The police said they believe they broke up several races. On five or six instances, patrol cars pulled into parking lots and all the civilian vehicles scattered, according to Deputy Janie Alvarez-Wagner, HCSO Public Affairs/ Media Relations.
Alvarez-Wagner also said they did not expect to catch many in the act because the operation was publicized ahead of time in order to prevent street racing .
Street racing is a Class B misdemeanor offense, punishable with a fine not to exceed $2,000 and a jail term not to exceed 180 days.
