Street Racing in Atlanta | West End business owners talk about a problem

ATLANTA — Several people were arrested for allegedly promoting or organizing street races in Atlanta, police said.

Over the weekend, officers assigned to APD’s Auto Crime Unit responded to several calls from street racers across the city. These officers arrested several suspects and impounded several vehicles allegedly involved in the criminal activity.

APD Chief Darin Schierbaum said the agency has seen a recent resurgence in street racing activity, including four events Saturday.

“This department has zero tolerance for any street racing taking place in Atlanta, Georgia,” he said.

Schierbaum said there has been an increase in these types of gatherings this summer compared to last summer.

Some of the street racing trouble happened in the same parking lot as Rahim’s Chicken Supreme. Owner Rahim Leslie said it has been open for 15 years. It closes every evening at 9:30 p.m.

“Because of the area we’re in, I’d rather be safe than be sorry,” Leslie said.

Leslie knows things are happening in the parking lot. He’s never there to see it. However, tire tracks are still visible where cars were doing donuts in the parking lot.

But the Great Smoke Vape Shop, across the street, stays open past midnight. Owner Steven Swing watches the crowd form from his window. He also noticed the increase.

“In previous summers we had it maybe once a month, but lately it’s been every Saturday, sometimes multiple times,” Swing said. “Sometimes the police eliminate them. And then they come back 30 minutes later.”

Schierbaum said these gatherings are not only illegal, but also dangerous.

“It’s not necessarily a nuisance, except it just stops the activity,” Swing continued. “It stops traffic. And people lose money doing that.”

Swing said arresting spectators was a slippery slope; however, he believes the agents are saving the participants from themselves.

“They won’t really leave until the police arrive,” Swing said.

However, Leslie said the arrests were unnecessary.

“I didn’t hear any shooting. I didn’t hear any violence,” Leslie said.

Leslie said when officers show up, participants disperse, creating additional danger.

“Someone is going to get hurt while the police are doing their job,” Leslie said.

He suggested giving street racing enthusiasts a safe space to hold their events.

“It doesn’t solve the problem. Solving the problem means finding these kids something to do,” he added.

Schierbaum said there are officers dedicated to these crimes.

“We now have the ability to charge anyone who promotes and organizes a street race,” he said, adding that if you’re arrested, Schierbaum said it’s a misdemeanor. You risk up to a year in prison and thousands in fines.

Schierbaum said their department has already arrested seven people and has issued arrest warrants for others.

Police said all were in their early 20s and although they were from Georgia, they did not reside in Atlanta.

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

These offenses are punishable by up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine, police said.

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