24-02-2025
Five people arrested during Maryland car rallies as task force cracks down on illegal street racing
Five people were arrested as Maryland's Car Rally Task Force broke up illegal events in Baltimore City, and Baltimore and Prince George's Counties, according to State Police.
Between Saturday, Feb. 22, and Sunday, Feb. 23, the task force dismantled seven events where illegal exhibition driving was taking place.
The following people were arrested and charged, according to Maryland State Police:
Joseph Derek Houck, 20, of Hagerstown was charged with assault on a trooper and theft
Corey Jones, 20, of Walkersville was charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle
Isaiah Simmons, 20, of Walkersville was charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle
Jalil Turner, 19, of Walkersville was charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle
Joshua Peter Placide, 22, of New York was charged with DUI and 15 traffic violations
The illegal car meets occurred at the following locations:
3326 Auchentoroly Terrace in Baltimore
100 West Cold Spring Lane and 3300 Hillen Road in Baltimore
3967 Boston Street in Baltimore
100 Ridgewood Road in Baltimore
6351 Ammendale Road in Beltsville
Annapolis Road at Forbes Blvd in Lanham
Maryland cracks down on car meets
In June 2024, House Bill 601 went into effect, making exhibition driving and street races illegal.
The law defines exhibition driving as operating a vehicle close to a crowd and intentionally skidding, swerving while accelerating or causing the wheels to lose contact with the ground, among other actions.
Those convicted of exhibition driving could face 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the illegal conduct results in harm to another person, the maximum prison sentence is one year.
Maryland Car Rally Task Force
Since the law went into effect, the Maryland Car Rally Task Force has been cracking down on illegal street races.
In December 2024, five people, including four minors, were arrested after the task force broke up 10 illegal car meets in one weekend.
"There are upwards of 200 or 300 participants," said Elena Russo, spokesperson for Maryland State Police. "This is not just a danger to those in these vehicles, but also a danger to the spectators, and oftentimes, these investigations turn into recovery of stolen vehicles, illegal firearms and outstanding warrants."
Two stolen vehicles were recovered during the response.
