JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local man was arrested five times in the past two years all connected to illegal street racing charges.
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The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it busted a meetup of more than 40 cars last weekend in Riverside, where they arrested 28-year-old Julio Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was the event organizer. He remains in custody.
Officers later arrested 24-year-old Muntandher Husham Sal Al Fadhili who left Rodriguez’s meetup.
Both were involved in a larger street racing event back in June, where a man was badly hurt by one of the drivers who was doing doughnuts.
Now, neighbors in Riverside said they are fed up with the noise street racing brings to the area- as late as midnight.
This resident asked to remain anonymous. She said racing along Riverside Avenue is getting more dangerous.
“I know we have some homeless people here. Some people like to go out for walks also. We don’t want any of those people to get hit by a car when they’re crossing the road.”
Another neighbor, Veronica Trotter said she hears it every night near Riverside.
“What can we do really do? We can call and complain, but we don’t have a description. We can just say we heard loud cars with loud mufflers,” said Trotter.
Trotter fears a car could hit a curb and fling into her home.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said performing stunts like wheelies, drifting, doughnuts, and burnouts on public roads is considered street racing.
Officers said street racing charges start at a misdemeanor charge, a fine up to $2,000, and a one-year license suspension. After that, drivers will face felony charges, heavier fines, and possibly losing your car.
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