Police confiscate two weapons and arrest five people at illegal car rally

Baltimore police seized two guns and arrested four teenagers who were in a stolen car during a car rally over the weekend. Maryland state police said car rallies are dangerous and the Maryland Car Rally Task Force has successfully broken up dozens of them. “These rallies attempt to take over intersections, are clearly disrupting the peace and are likely frightening community members,” said Elena Russo, spokeswoman for the Maryland State Police told 11 News.Tire skid marks remain at the intersection of Park Heights and West Belvedere Avenue in northwest Baltimore near Pimlico Race Course. Video obtained by 11 News from another state police investigation into car rallies shows hundreds of people gathered, some standing on the street next to spinning cars. “Not only is it a dangerous place for people to watch and participate, it’s also a place where other types of crime could occur,” Russo told 11 News. According to police, 300 people gathered at the car rally in Park Heights last weekend. Officers arrived and quickly arrested five people, including an 18-year-old Laurel man who was charged with reckless, aggressive and negligent driving. Police said they found two stolen cars, including a black Chevrolet Camaro, which had four passengers inside. They are between 15 and 17 years old. Officers arrested the teens as they tried to escape and confiscated two weapons. State Police told 11 News that the Maryland Car Rally Task Force has canceled 61 events since June, including 10 this past weekend in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard and Prince George’s counties and Baltimore City. Make it clear: These illegal operations are being hired and they are doing everything they can to find those who are planning and promoting them,” Russo told 11 News. The task force has arrested 50 people, confiscated 24 firearms and seized five “Oftentimes they are arresting someone with an outstanding warrant, recovering stolen vehicles and illegal firearms,” ​​Russo told 11 News. Baltimore police told 11 News they are proud to work with state and local partners to solve the issue of ticket driving. The BPD said it actively participates in real-time communication and information sharing about car clubs and their activities.