JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 20-year-old man was arrested Monday night after Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detectives say he participated in a street takeover near the Acosta Bridge and then fled at speeds estimated at 120 mph on Interstate 95.
Street takeover draws dozens of vehicles to San Marco
According to the man’s arrest report, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was conducting a citywide street racing deployment on the evening of Sept. 7 in response to a series of coordinated car meets that were being promoted on social media. Officers first observed the group — estimated at approximately 30 vehicles — gathering in a parking lot on Blanding Blvd. before the convoy made its way into the San Marco neighborhood.
The group eventually pulled into a parking lot beneath the Acosta Bridge, near Friendship Fountain. One detective observed a blue 2012 Chevrolet Camaro in the lot among the other vehicles. JSO says the parking lot entrances were blocked by the group of cars, preventing a normal flow of traffic.
Burnout, dangerous driving lead to arrest: JSO
The detective observed the driver of the Camaro perform a burnout, with the rear tires spinning and smoke coming from the vehicle. The car then exited the lot and got onto southbound I-95.
Another detective was ahead of the vehicle on the on-ramp when the Camaro began following at an unsafe distance, according to the report. The driver then passed the detective on the left, moving into the shoulder and weaving in and out of traffic. Officers estimated the vehicle was traveling at 120 mph.
Officers followed the vehicle and performed a vehicle block at the intersection of Nira Street and San Marco Boulevard, where the driver was identified as Joseph Ezzo, 20. He was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody, according to the report.
Suspect denies burnout, claims he was catching up with friend
Officers read Ezzo his Miranda rights, which he waived. According to JSO, he denied performing a burnout and told officers he was only driving in the manner he did in order to catch up with a friend.
Charges
Ezzo was booked into jail at 11:26 p.m. on Sept. 7. He faces four charges:
Violate street race law/operate motor vehicle in street takeover (Third-degree felony)
Reckless driving (Second-degree misdemeanor)
Following too close to another vehicle (Moving violation)
Improper change of lane (Moving violation)
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