Several arrests made for organizing and participating in illegal street races

Atlanta police have made six arrests and issued arrest warrants for two other suspects involved in organizing or participating in illegal street racing in the city.

At a news conference Sunday afternoon, Chief Darin Schierbaum said there is a “resurgence” of street racing in the city and region. He said four events occurred within the city limits Saturday night into this morning.

“We have a zero tolerance policy for any street racing in Atlanta,” Schierbaum said. “Our focus is on individuals who promote and organize illegal street racing and who sow crime and chaos in the city. »

He said that thanks to new laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly, law enforcement can now pursue anyone who promotes and organizes street racing. Three individuals were arrested this morning for these alleged acts:

• Treyon Izell Hamilton-Coleman, 24, of Riverdale, Georgia
• Jaquez Antonio Smith, 22, of Locust Grove, Georgia
• Tyrik Ponder, 20, from Hampton, Georgia

Arrest warrants were also issued for Montrez Nasir Carter of McDonough and Darius Edmunds of Stonecrest – for also organizing an event.

Three other individuals were arrested for filming or blocking the road so a race could take place: Juan Tirado, Edison Hernandez-Bruno and Ashley Barerra-Villenueva.

The chief said the department is also working to identify the drivers of the cars that participated in the events.

“If you organize a street race in Atlanta, we are going to locate you, identify you and hold you responsible,” Schierbaum said, noting that if convicted, those arrested could serve up to a year in prison and face a fine of $5,000. .

Maj. Ralph Woolfolk of the APD Criminal Investigation Division said another individual, Richard Ruben, was arrested earlier this month for organizing events over Memorial Day weekend that were widely shared on social networks.

Woolfolk urged residents to call 911 if they witness illegal street racing in the city.