ORLANDO, Fla. – Four men were arrested during an illegal street event in Orlando on the Fourth of July, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The FHP shared video on social media showing one car doing donuts at an intersection while shooting fireworks out of the window.
Lt. Tara Crescenzi with the FHP said investigators first learned about the street takeover through social media posts. The FHP and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office then worked together to find people involved, beginning in Parramore.
[Hear what Florida Highway Patrol had to say about the illegal street takeover crackdown in Orlando]
“Those fireworks could have gone and hit anyone. Anyone might not just be the people that were spectating. It could be a building. It could be a business. It could be a pedestrian,” she said.
Troopers were able to locate the vehicle near Holden Avenue and Orange Blossom Trail and arrested Roderick Baez, 20.
According to an arrest affidavit, troopers found Roman candle fireworks in the passenger seat of the car, and Baez was headed to another street takeover event.
The FHP also arrested Anthony Colon, 33, who troopers say organized one of the street takeovers and sold alcohol to people.
Baez faces charges of violating street racing law while Colon faces charges of selling alcoholic beverages without a license.
Troopers also arrested Stoyan Valtchev, 18, and Dion Custard, 31, who they say was behind the wheel of other vehicles doing “multiple burnouts and donuts” at an intersection, according to an affidavit.
Crescenzi said the takedown should serve as a warning for anyone planning events like these and if you’re caught watching a street takeover, you could end up paying out of your own pocket.
[Florida law increases street racing penalties. See more below]