Four minors were arrested as law enforcement broke up several illegal car rallies in Maryland

BALTIMORE — Four minors were arrested as Maryland law enforcement broke up several car rallies across the state last weekend.

According to Maryland State Police, members of the Maryland Car Rally Task Force (MCRTF) stopped ten large-scale illegal car rally events in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard and Prince George’s counties.

Arrests made at car rally in Baltimore

Five people, including four minors, were arrested at an event in the 5100 block of Park Avenue in Baltimore. According to state police, about 300 people and vehicles closed Park Avenue for display driving and disorderly conduct.

According to police, 18-year-old Josue Emanuel Hernandez Cordon of Laurel was arrested and charged with reckless, aggressive, negligent driving and other traffic offenses. There was also an investigation into the possession of a replica firearm (handgun).

Police arrested four teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 after officers found a stolen black Camaro SS with two guns. Police believe the stolen vehicle was used in other car rallies and possibly in an armed robbery in Washington, DC

Police also found a stolen Nissan 370Z after the driver got out and took off.

What is the Maryland Car Rally Task Force?

Law enforcement agencies across Maryland have established the Maryland Car Rally Task Force to combat illegal driving exhibitions.

“The Maryland Car Rally Task Force was created to truly combat these large-scale illegal driving exhibitions that endanger public safety,” said Maryland State Police spokeswoman Elena Russo.

The Maryland Car Rally Task Force increased patrols in hotspot areas.

The task force consists of Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority Police and police departments from Prince George’s, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery counties.

Stricter penalties

A new Maryland law went into effect June, which increases the penalties for those who caught road racing or exhibition rides.

Participants must now appear in court and can spend up to a year in prison. Fines were also doubled to $1,000.