DETROIT – Police are intensifying enforcement efforts against illegal street racing and drifting after multiple incidents disrupted neighborhoods during the Memorial Day holiday in Detroit.
The latest crackdown comes as residents near Detroit City Airport reported crowds gathering to watch drivers perform dangerous stunts.
Online videos and comments indicate some events began mid-afternoon Monday and continued late into the night.
Resident Alan Rhea described scenes of participants “hanging out and partying” while drivers burned rubber in residential areas.
Cmdr. Anthony O’Rourke warned participants to stop the risky behavior.
“This is not a controlled environment that we’re operating in,” he said.
Neighborhood Impact
Near East Grand Boulevard and East Palmer Street, residents reported hearing screeching tires late into the night.
Local community members noted that most participants are not from the area, raising concerns about outsiders disrupting neighborhood safety.
Police officials emphasize their commitment to addressing these incidents proactively.
“When the time is appropriate for us, we’ll show up at their house,” O’Rourke said. “We’ll either issue them a ticket, take them into custody, tow their vehicles, or forfeit their vehicles – based on their involvement in these activities.”
Growing Regional Challenge
The department’s investigation has revealed that many participants travel from surrounding communities to perform these illegal stunts.
According to police, violators have been identified from St. Clair Shores, Howell, Brighton, and Algonac.
Law enforcement’s response to the latest crackdown
So far, the department has issued spectator tickets while arresting someone for fleeing and looting and drag racing.
The department continues to investigate the Memorial Day incidents, with additional enforcement actions expected in the coming weeks.
