Street Takeovers and Street Racing Crackdown Ahead of Large Car Show in Conroe, Texas
A driver warms up before a race at Bandimere Speedway west of Denver on May 5, 2021. AP Photo/Thomas Peipert
Harris and Montgomery County authorities have teamed up to address "street takeovers" and street racing ahead of a large car show coming to the area.
According to Houston-area authorities, the task force will be targeting reckless driving, street takeovers, and parking lot takeovers in response to the Lone Star Throwdown car show beginning Friday in Conroe. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department, Conroe Police Department, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office will be among the agencies taking part in the task force.
Public Safety a Top Concern
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said Thursday that public safety was their chief concern.
"We have a large car show coming and it’ll attract people from all over the nation," he said at a news conference. "This brings economic benefits to our agency, but it also brings trouble. The people that are organizing the events, they have pure intentions to have fun, to enjoy the community and we welcome that."
Law Enforcement Prepared
Brett Ligon, the Montgomery County District Attorney, said there will be more than 100 police officers deployed and that the message to potential wrongdoers is clear.
"If you’re going to be a jackass in Montgomery County, then we’re going to find you a stall," he said. "There’s a multitude of crimes that people can be charged with. We don’t want to charge anybody. … I would love it to be a zero-arrest weekend. That’s what success looks like in law enforcement."
New Penalties for Street Racing
Texas DPS Cpt. Terry Truett said he wanted to remind attendees that the state legislature had recently increased penalties for street racing and that DPS officers will be enforcing those regulations.
"During the 88th legislative session, our elected officials passed two key laws to protect Texas from illegal street racing," Truett said. "These laws enhance penalties for illegal street racing and provide law enforcement and prosecutors with additional tools to address these crimes. We encourage everyone to prioritize safety during this car show, however, those who engage in illegal behavior may face severe penalties."
Consequences of Street Racing
Street racing can result in dangerous, and sometimes fatal, crashes, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Major Anthony McConnel said. He added that those caught braking the law could have their vehicles confiscated.
"In the last four years, we have put over 100 vehicles through the seizure process," he said. "We have no problem taking your vehicle. We will do that same thing in Montgomery County."
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the task force?
A: The task force is aimed at addressing "street takeovers" and street racing ahead of the [Lone Star Throwdown] car show in Conroe, Texas.
Q: Which agencies are participating in the task force?
A: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department, Conroe Police Department, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office are among the agencies participating in the task force.
Q: How many police officers will be deployed?
A: Over 100 police officers will be deployed to ensure public safety.
Q: What are the consequences of street racing?
A: Street racing can result in dangerous, and sometimes fatal, crashes. Those caught braking the law could have their vehicles confiscated.
