3 street racing suspects arrested, others on the run, Atlanta police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta police say there has been a recent resurgence of illegal street racing in the city.

This weekend, officers responded to several calls about street racing in Atlanta, police said at a news conference Sunday afternoon.

Four street races took place within Atlanta city limits on Saturday evening, police said.

At Sunday’s news conference, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said three suspects were arrested Saturday night on charges related to allegedly organizing the races, and several vehicles were seized for involvement in criminal activities.

He said the suspects arrested Saturday lived outside the city limits.

“Last night we arrested three individuals for participating as a non-driver, meaning you either filmed the event and posted it or used your body or vehicle to block the intersection “Schierbaum said.

According to Schierbaum, those arrested were: Treyon Hamilton-Coleman, 24, of Riverdale, Jaquez Smith, 22, of Locust Grove, and Tyrik Ponder, 20, of Hampton. Schierbaum said they face charges of promoting or organizing a street racing event.

He said the suspects are being held at the Fulton County Jail.

“These three individuals are responsible for the chaos, dangerous activity and criminal activity throughout Atlanta, and they are going to be held accountable for it,” Schierbaum said.

Schierbaum said another suspect, Montrez Carter of McDonough, was in Atlanta organizing an illegal street race Saturday night. He said an arrest warrant was issued for Carter, who returned to McDonough after the race.

Police said they also issued an arrest warrant for a suspect named Darius Edmunds, who allegedly escaped arrest on charges related to street racing in Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend.

Police said they began seeing a resurgence in street racing last weekend. Schierbaum said his officers would continue to crack down on those who participate in illegal street racing.

“If you’re street racing in Atlanta, Georgia, we’re going to locate you, we’re going to identify you and we’re going to hold you accountable,” Schierbaum said.

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