NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Street racing has become a growing issue in Nashville over the last several months, but now police are hoping to crack down on offenders through a new initiative.
“I work at night so I come home every time at nighttime and I see the drag racing happening up and down Anderson Road all the time,” said Antioch resident George Kallas. He said you can hear the sound of engines revving at 3 a.m. in his neighborhood. "If you don’t let them do what they want they will follow you to wherever you live," Kallas said. "I have installed dash cameras in my car now.”
It’s a growing issue in Nashville over the last several months.
“I think it’s kind of moved across the country from California; the 'Fast and Furious' crowd, the movies and I don’t know if the lack of other activities may be available, with COVID restrictions and the like,” said Robert Nash, Metro Council member and former East Police Precinct commander. He said one group is primarily behind the disruptions, “that’s been part of the challenge of getting this under control is it is organized.”
However, Metro Police cracked down Saturday night thanks to what’s called the Street Racer Initiative. “[They] made several arrests. One prominent arrest of one of the leaders of this group called 615 Street Racers,” said Nash.
Police also seized five cars while patrolling areas like Nissan Stadium, Murfreesboro Pike and Interstate 65. In total, police made 19 vehicle stops and handed out nearly 30 violations and misdemeanor charges.
But Kallas said his neighborhood needs additional attention as well. “There's nothing being done. I haven’t seen any police presence in this area in like five or six years," he said.
According to Nash, drag racers not only could have their cars seized, but could also face serious fines and even jail time.
