(KOMO)
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is warning would-be street racers about the consequences of racing or hitting extreme speeds on city streets.
Last week, deputies arrested two 25-year-old drivers who are accused of racing at triple-digit speeds on Bridgeport Way in University Place.
Investigators recovered video from a Porsche involved in the race that showed the car hitting 107 mph. The car was impounded while the driver and another driver who was involved were booked into jail on felony charges of reckless driving.
“They’re not petty little slaps on the wrist anymore - these are serious crimes," said Deputy Carly Cappetto.
Cappetto shared video of the deputy arresting the drivers, as well as dash-camera video from the Porsche that was seized with a warrant.
“Per the new laws that passed in January of 2024, they allow us to seize camera evidence or evidence that would be hidden in that car that would be used in a street racing event," she said.
The law also allows police to impound vehicles used in street races for 72 hours, and if the same vehicle is used in another race, it can be seized permanently. The law expanded the definition of what is considered a street race to include parking garages, parking lots, and intersections.
“There are plenty of places where people can pay the proper money to do the racing and experience their nice cars other than putting the community in danger," said Cappetto. “In Pierce County, we’re going to give you the full meal deal – you will be arrested, your car is going to be impounded, and if we can track it back to being used in more than one event we will seize the vehicle permanently, you won’t get it back.”
