Several people arrested as FHP, police stop street takeover in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Several people are behind bars after police and officers prevented a planned street takeover in Tampa Friday night, authorities said.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), law enforcement officers received information about the roadway takeovers at Busch Boulevard and Florida Avenue, Temple Terrace Winn Dixie, and Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

There were many cars and large groups of people at each location. FHP said it was able to prevent the takeover events at the Temple Terrace Winn Dixie and Busch and Florida Avenue locations before street racing or dangerous driving occurred.

The street takeover continued at the Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs location, but officers and police officers identified the vehicles and people participating in the activity. FHP said its law enforcement officers engaged the vehicles involved in street racing and also had to conduct several short chases.

Four drivers were charged with criminal offenses while six passengers were charged with street racing and hijacking. Four vehicles were also impounded with a 30-day hold and two weapons were found overnight, FHP reported.

“The success of this operation, which prevented people in the community from ending up in dangerous situations on Florida roadways, was due to information intercepted by law enforcement prior to the incident,” FHP said in a statement. “Equally important were the collaborative efforts of multiple jurisdictions, including the Temple Terrace Police Department and the Tampa Police Department, which played a critical role in the success of the operation.”

Authorities recommend that anyone who encounters street racing, stunt driving, or a street takeover do the following:

• Stay calm.
• Do not engage with or approach drivers or vehicles.
• If possible, pull safely to the side of the road.
• Report the actions by calling *FHP or 911. Callers are immediately forwarded to the nearest control center.

Anyone with information about an upcoming street takeover or who can identify possible participants is asked to contact FHP.