Four people were arrested in an alleged street racing event that resulted in a car chase in Gwinnett County Saturday.
Officers with the Gwinnett County Police Department responded to the intersection of Oakland Rd and Cruse Rd. in Duluth after receiving reports that several vehicles were blocking the roadway. Reports indicated other cars were using the blocked space to do burnouts and set items on fire. Units were able to block the vehicles’ escape routes and several people fled on foot and in vehicles.
GCPD officers were able to catch several people who were running on foot and used stop sticks to stop vehicles attempting to flee. As officers were placing suspects under arrest, a 2021 Honda Accord allegedly began speeding towards them. Officers gave the vehicle commands to stop, but the driver attempted to strike an officer as it left the scene, according to a release from the department.
Authorities placed stop sticks in front of the fleeing Honda as it drove past them, which deflated its tires. Units then chased the vehicle until it crashed off the side of the roadway.
The driver of the car, Jared Sorto Rodriguez, 18, of Lawrenceville, was found hiding in bushes near the scene. He was arrested for numerous charges related to the street racing event and aggravated assault against a police officer.
Luis Garcia-Roque ,19 years old, of Snellville, Fatima Busto-Arcos , 21 years old, of Stone Mountain and Shamiah Carter 18 years old, of Stonecrest were also arrested in the incident. Two other individuals were cited and released at the scene.
The Gwinnett County Police Department reminded the community in a release that under the Code of Georgia 16-11-43.1, any person who is knowingly present and actively facilitating an exhibition of illegal drag racing, or laying drags is subject to arrest for a misdemeanor charge of promoting or organizing drag races or laying drags exhibitions.
Anyone with information in this case can contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.
