TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sixteen people were arrested, and many more were issued citations after the Florida Highway Patrol shut down a “coordinated street takeover” early Saturday morning, a spokesperson said.
At around 12:30 a.m., troopers were alerted to the gathering by the aviation unit, which observed a large number of vehicles and pedestrians in the parking lot of an industrial complex on East Columbus Drive.
Dealer charged with murder after woman dies from 18x lethal dose of fentanyl: HCSO
Drivers were drifting, performing doughnuts and burnouts, and blocking access to the complex lot, FHP said.
Unfortunately for the participants, the lot only had one way in and out, so as troopers began arriving on the scene, they were able to prevent most from leaving.
All of those who were behind the wheel were charged with felony street racing, and all passengers were cited for knowingly riding as a passenger during a street takeover.
A few others received additional charges, including resisting an officer without violence and fleeing and eluding.
Hillsborough teacher accused of having years-long ‘inappropriate’ relationship with former student
The youngest in attendance, a 17-year-old boy, was also charged with criminal mischief after he hit another person’s car while trying to evade law enforcement, according to his affidavit.
The oldest in attendance, a 27-year-old man, received the highest-level charges: aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and fleeing at high speeds, for ramming a trooper’s car while attempting to slip between the vehicle and the curb. Both are second-degree felonies.
The majority of those arrested were in their late teens and early 20s.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.