Street Racing Event at Lawrenceville Intersection Leads to Police Chase and Arrests

On October 26, a street racing event in Gwinnett County ended in a police pursuit and multiple arrests after cars and bystanders took over the intersection of Oakland Road and Cruse Road. According to Gwinnett County Police, several vehicles were positioned to block traffic while others performed burnouts, setting objects on fire and creating a dangerous situation for motorists and pedestrians.

Upon arrival, police strategically blocked the exits around the intersection to prevent escape, sparking a chaotic scene as participants attempted to flee both on foot and in vehicles. Officers deployed stop sticks, successfully halting multiple vehicles and detaining individuals running from the scene.

Amid the arrests, officers reported that the driver of a 2021 Honda Accord, later identified as 18-year-old Jared Sorto Rodriguez of Lawrenceville, accelerated toward them. Despite commands to stop, the vehicle allegedly swerved in an attempt to strike an officer as it sped from the scene. Police threw stop sticks in front of the Honda as it passed, deflating its tires, and initiated a chase, eventually tracking down the disabled vehicle after it crashed off the road. Rodriguez was found hiding in nearby bushes and was arrested, facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer and additional offenses linked to the street racing event.

In total, four individuals were arrested:

1. Jared Sorto Rodriguez (18, Lawrenceville) – Facing charges of aggravated assault against a police officer and various street racing-related offenses.
2. Luis Garcia-Roque (19, Snellville) – Arrested for his involvement in the event.
3. Fatima Busto-Arcos (21, Stone Mountain) – Arrested on related charges.
4. Shamiah Carter (18, Stonecrest) – Also charged in connection with the street racing incident.

Two other participants received citations and were released on-site.

Gwinnett County Police highlighted that under Georgia law (Code of Georgia 16-11-43.1), individuals found actively facilitating illegal drag racing or street exhibitions are subject to arrest. This includes not only drivers but also bystanders who participate in or promote the events. Violators face misdemeanor charges for promoting or organizing drag races or similar exhibitions.

The police department encourages anyone with additional information on the case to contact Gwinnett County detectives at 770.513.5300. For anonymous reporting, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or online at www.stopcrimeATL.com, with cash rewards available for information leading to an arrest and indictment.