Suffolk County police have taken action against a group of street racers who were involved in reckless behavior that endangered the safety of others. Over the weekend, authorities arrested three men and a 17-year-old after an investigation into illegal car meets and high-speed antics in the area. These actions posed risks to drivers, pedestrians, and even the police who were pursuing them.
The arrested individuals include David Alvarado Zelaya, 26, Daniel Velasquez Chavez, 24, the unnamed 17-year-old, and his cousin Gerardo Benitez, 26. They now face various charges such as unlawful speed racing, reckless endangerment, fleeing law enforcement, and making false reports.
According to police, the arrests resulted from three incidents last December. In these cases, the group allegedly blocked a parking lot, performed burnouts, and fled at high speeds, prompting police chases along busy roads.
One significant incident involved finding Zelaya in a damaged 2020 Dodge Charger on December 28 in a Shirley parking lot, leading officers to seize the vehicle for numerous equipment violations.
In another case, just a few days ago in Brentwood, police stated that Velasquez-Chavez accelerated away from an officer attempting to pull him over, driving erratically and at excessive speeds.
The 17-year-old had also reportedly fled from police in a 2013 Hyundai Genesis on November 28 in Selden. Later, Benitez claimed the car was stolen, but authorities deemed that to be a false statement.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine mentioned that the Street Takeover Task Force is crucial for improving safety on the roads, emphasizing their commitment to removing dangerous drivers and vehicles. Police Chief Kevin Catalina echoed this sentiment, addressing the importance of addressing illegal driving incidents to protect lives and maintain peace on the roads.
Since the task force was established in November 2024, they have dismantled 92 illegal gatherings, issued more than 8,600 citations, made 65 arrests, and confiscated 103 vehicles, according to police records.
