Another vehicle impounded in relation to street racing in SLO County
Another vehicle was impounded for 30 days Thursday after being connect to an illegal street racing event, the California Highway Patrol Templeton said in a news release.
The illegal event took place on Jan. 21 near Estrella Road and Martingale Circle near Paso Robles. A total of five cars have been impounded in relation to the event.
Four were impounded on Jan. 26 for 30 days. The drivers whose cars have been impounded have been interviewed regarding the alleged street racing, though no arrests have been made.
Jose Meza, public information officer for CHP Templeton, told the Tribune reports of illegal street racing are most common in the summer, averaging about once per week. Reports have taken place all over the county, he said.
The CHP said the department responds to 25,000 calls involving illegal street racing statewide and this number increases year after year.
“Participants and onlookers are frequently killed, or seriously injured, as a consequence of street racing,” the CHP wrote in the release. “Because a vehicle is a deadly weapon if used recklessly, CHP will continue to actively investigate street racing incidents and will seek criminal prosecution against participants.”
Investigating illegal street racing can be difficult, Meza said. Participants often are listening to CHP radio, so they disperse when they hear law enforcement is on the way.
Signs of illegal street racing include barriers or cars blocking roads. CHP asks anyone who sees illegal street racing to immediately call 911.
This story was originally published February 1, 2022 at 2:47 PM.
