FCPD warns against street racing, calling it 'a very violent crime'

A viral video showing a street race on Leesburg Pike in Tysons has forced Fairfax County police to take action.

Police Chief Kevin Davis and other officials warned at a news conference last week that those caught drag racing on the streets of Fairfax County will be found and prosecuted under the law.

“This is not a juvenile indiscretion,” Davis said. “This is a brazen street race that can and will cost people their lives.”

The video shows a Cybertruck overtaking a Lamborghini on Route 7 in Tysons. Dozens of observers could be seen near the roadway – too close for comfort, according to Davis.

“At the point where the footage stops, you can see the number of people that are on the roadway as spectators,” Davis said. “At these speeds, it doesn’t take much for one car to crash into another [and] Send the car into a spin and into a crowd of people standing by and watching.”

The video, shared on social media last month, had generated more than 154 million views on Twitter as of this morning (Tuesday).

FCPD announced on November 2 that both drivers in the video had been identified, arrested and charged. At Friday's (Nov. 8) press conference, police department leaders warned that they will continue to press charges against anyone who participates in street racing.

“For us, this is also a very violent crime because the number of people losing their lives on the streets is much higher than we would like,” said Deputy Police Chief Robert Blakley.

So far this year, at least 39 people have died in crashes on Fairfax County roads. Two people died in accidents over Veterans Day weekend – one in Oakton and one in Reston.

As of Friday, FCPD has filed 12 race-related charges in 2024. Anyone convicted of the crime would have their driver's license revoked for at least six months under state law.

Virginia also prohibits organizing or supporting street racing, calling it a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a $2,500 fine.

FCPD officials told the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in October plans to lobby the General Assembly to extend those penalties to people who facilitate reckless driving car accidents – another problem that police say has grown in importance in recent years has.

Screenshot via @ccj_media/Instagram