Driver arrested for illegal street racing in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY – An 18-year-old man was arrested Friday after allegedly participating in illegal street racing in an industrial area near Salt Lake City International Airport.

Salt Lake City police have not yet released the man's identity. Another driver the 18-year-old was allegedly racing with was also arrested, but it is unclear whether charges will be filed against that driver.

Both cars in the race were impounded, police said.

“Illegal street racing is incredibly dangerous, not just for the participants, but for everyone else,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “The risks of illegal street racing are simply too great. One wrong decision or move or mechanical error can have fatal consequences.”

Police responded to the area of ​​400 South and 5200 West around 11:30 p.m. Friday after people reported “a large group of street racers near businesses and blocking parking lot entrances.” That's when police said they saw the two cars speeding toward them side by side, one in the wrong lane.

Salt Lake City police said in a news release that the area is a popular spot for illegal racing, in part because of the expansive streets. They said the department saw a 54% increase in illegal street racing calls last September compared to the previous year.

The 18-year-old is accused of illegal street racing. Racers are often accused reckless driving, illegal possession of a weapon, illegal gambling and aggravated assault, police said.