SLCPD crackdown on illegal street racing, arrest six in recent operation

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Police announced Tuesday that it conducted an operation over the weekend to crackdown illegal street racing. The operation resulted in six arrests and 11 towed vehicles.

The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Utah Highway Patrol and the Salt Lake City Police Pioneer Bike Squad. The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit, Investigations Division and Patrol Divisions also helped in the operation.

According to a news release, the operation was conducted during the overnight hours of Friday into Saturday. Police searched areas that have been known to have street racing. Eventually, police discovered a street racing event in the area of 2400 S. 4300 West. 

According to the news release, illegal street racing that have previously occurred in Salt Lake City have attracted hundreds of people, which has led to significant criminal activity. 

The news release also states that Salt Lake City Police experienced a huge increase in calls for street racing last year. According to the news release, police received 71 calls on the problem in 2019. Those calls rose to 409 in 2020, which is a 476% increase in one year. 

Salt Lake City Police say street racing presents many difficulties for its department. Preventing such events requires a good amount of resources. Police say they don’t always have the resources available, while also trying to prevent other crimes at the same time. 

Police say those arrested in this operation were for several different charges, including reckless driving and driving under the influence. 

Read more:

• SLC Police announce 15 arrests for illegal street racing
• Street racing deserves harsher penalties, SLC police chief says

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