Street racing and car chase in Gwinnett results in numerous arrests

Driver of one vehicle allegedly attempted to strike one of the responding officers

GWINNETT, GA (Oct. 30) – Gwinnett County Police Department reports that a street racing event which took over the intersection of Oakland Road and Cruse Road in Gwinnett County resulted in a car chase and ended with numerous people going to jail.

According to a press release from GCPD, on Oct. 26, GCPD officers responded to the intersection following a report that numerous vehicles were blocking the roadway so that other cars could do burnouts and set items on fire.  Responding police vehicles were able to block the escape route of vehicles that were blocking the roadway, but people began to flee on foot and in vehicles.

“Officers were able to catch multiple people running and used stop sticks to stop several vehicles.  As officers were placing people under arrest, they heard the engine of a 2021 Honda Accord speeding toward them. Officers gave commands for the vehicle to stop but it attempted to strike an officer as it fled from the scene. Officers were able to throw stop sticks in front of the Honda as it drove by them, which caused the tires on the car to deflate. Other officers chased the vehicle until it eventually crashed off the side of the roadway,” GCPD report. 

The alleged driver of the car, Jared Sorto Rodriguez, 18, of Lawrenceville was found nearby hiding in bushes and was arrested for numerous charges related to the street racing event and aggravated assault against a police officer.

In all, four people were arrested for numerous charges related to street racing.  The other people arrested were:

• Luis Garcia-Roque, 19, of Snellville
• Fatima Busto-Arcos, 21, of Stone Mountain
• Shamiah Carter, 18, of Stonecrest 
• Two other people were cited and released at the scene.

The GCPD is reminding the public 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.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please 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. 

Editor’s Note: Please note an arrest or charge does not constitute a conviction.