Posted on 12/05/24
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore, Md - Dec. 5, 2024 - Police in Baltimore confiscated two guns and arrested four teenagers who were in a stolen car amid a breakup of a car rally over the weekend.
Maryland State Police said car rallies are dangerous, and that the Maryland Car Rally Task Force has had success in dismantling dozens of them.
“These car rallies are attempting to take over intersections, clearly disturbing the peace and probably scaring community members,” Maryland State Police spokeswoman Elena Russo told 11 News.
Tire skid marks remain at the intersection of Park Heights and West Belvedere avenues in northwest Baltimore near Pimlico Race Course. Video obtained by 11 News from another state police investigation of car rallies shows hundreds of people gathered, some standing in the street close to spinning cars.
“Not only is it a dangerous place for people to be spectating and participating, it is also a place where other types of crime could be happening,” Russo told 11 News.
Police said 300 people gathered this past weekend at the Park Heights car rally. Officers arrived and quickly arrested five people, including an 18-year-old Laurel man, who was charged with reckless, aggressive and negligent driving.
Police said they found two stolen cars, including a black Chevrolet Camaro, inside which, there were four passengers ranging in age from 15 to 17. Officers arrested the teens when they tried to run, and they confiscated two guns.
State police told 11 News said the Maryland Car Rally Task Force has shut down 61 events since June, including 10 over this past weekend in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard and Prince George’s counties, as well as Baltimore City.
“They are trying to get the word out: These illegal operations will be shut down and they are doing all they can to locate those planning and promoting them,” Russo told 11 News.
The task force has arrested 50 people, seized 24 firearms and recovered five stolen cars.
“A lot of times, they apprehend someone with an outstanding warrant, recover stolen vehicles and illegal firearms,” Russo told 11 News.
Baltimore police told 11 News they are proud to collaborate with state and local partners to address exhibition driving. The BPD said it actively participates in real-time communication and intelligence-sharing regarding car clubs and their activities.