HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Three people were arrested after a massive parking lot takeover near PlazAmericas mall, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
The takeover happened sometime Saturday night on Bellaire Boulevard near the Southwest Freeway.
According to HCSO Major Susan Cotter, about 200 cars were involved in the takeover. The three arrests were made between HCSO and the Houston Police Department. Cotter posted on Twitter that one of the people arrested was for child endangerment after a 13-year-old was found in his car.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said deputies work in collaboration with police and the district attorney's office to crack down on street racing and takeovers.
Videos of dangerous street racing meetups in Austin earlier this month went viral after bottles and fireworks were seen being thrown at police.
According to HPD data, more than 800 arrests were made due to that kind of activity in 2021. More than 700 arrests were made due to the activity in 2022, HPD said.
Authorities will continue to work together to slow the numbers down and want to remind drivers to call 911 to report takeovers when they see them.