TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma police say 13 arrests were made, six vehicles impounded, and four guns seized in a weekend emphasis that took place across Pierce County.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department says on Saturday night, deputies responded to complaints from the Fredrickson industrial area, where cars were doing donuts and burnouts. Deputies said when they arrived, they saw 30 vehicles in a warehouse parking lot.
"We already have plenty of examples of why we don't want this to happen. We've had the highest number of fatalities ever in 2023,” said Sgt. Darren Moss Jr., a spokesperson for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
Last year, there were more than 800 fatalities on Washington's roadways. That increase and the frequency of street races in Tacoma are why police say emphasis patrols first began with a regional group created to crack down on the cars and chaos.
"Because of the community's outcry with these street racers causing complete havoc within our communities,” Tacoma Police Information Officer Shelbie Boyd explained.
Tacoma passed a law targeting street racing spectators.
"If you are one of those people that want to go and film and be a part of that community, we will arrest you for being there and supporting it,” said Ofc. Boyd.
This year, the state adopted tougher vehicle impound penalties for street racers.
"In the past, you could get it out immediately. Now the law says you get to wait for 72 hours,” said Ofc. Boyd, who added that a second conviction means a street racer's vehicle can be seized.
"We are trying to save people's lives, whether you care about your life or not. This is to help you protect yourself, but we're also concerned about the people on the other end of your bad behavior when you crash into somebody else,” said Sgt. Moss.