Local leaders, Oklahoma City Police Chief discuss 150+ street racing arrests at metro event last weekend

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — 154 people were arrested in what we know as a planned operation by the Oklahoma City Police Department.

The arrests were near a Southwest Oklahoma City car shop, Rocket Wrapz.

The owner of the business, Raul Anaya, said it was his birthday and he held a car meet and party for friends and the public to attend.

"We didn't do anything wrong, we didn't have any alcohol, we weren't street racing," said Anaya.

Anaya and others were cuffed in zip ties and later taken to the Oklahoma County Jail.

Pastor and Jail Trust Member, Dr. Derrick Scobey, addressed the media with concerns Friday afternoon.

"Even officers who were present on last Saturday, many of them were very confused as to why tickets were not issued from a municipal standpoint rather than arrests being made," said Pastor Scobey.

Local teens who were arrested also addressed the media.

"We're just kids that's trying to have fun. We're just gathering," said Christian Hammons.

"They're telling us that they have dogs, so don't even turn around, and they have their tasers, rubber bullet guns, and everything aimed at us and telling us that everyone is going to jail," said Davon Jones, who also recounted his experience.

Parents told the media they were upset about the way the situation was handled.

"For them to put our kids into the deadliest jail in the state is disturbing," said VonNisha Hammons, Christian's mother.

Late Friday afternoon, Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy held a press conference about the arrests, showing footage of the event moments before officers arrived.

Chief Bacy described seeing reckless behavior and hearing the sound of gunshots in some of the videos.

"So there's been statements that none of these things happen on public streets, it was private property. I can tell you that we were alerted to this event," Chief Bacy said.

Chief Bacy also added, "So when we see an event that endangers the safety of the public, we feel it's our responsibility to act."

The Chief said officers were not targeting a group of people. Authorities were primarily concerned with safety.

Pastor Scobey called on District Attorney Vicki Behenna, asking her not to press charges.

Chief Bacy says he's talked with Behenna, and they are on the same page.

"The young adults who were charged with unlawful assembly, and have no other criminal activity associated with this event, those are all going to be referred to as municipal charges," said Chief Bacy.

The Oklahoma City Police Department also released a statement about the incident:

In the weeks leading up to May 17, 2025, officers received multiple complaints from businesses and property owners near the 6600 block of Superior Ave. regarding vehicles engaging in reckless driving behavior, including “burnouts” and “donuts.” Officers learned of a planned event widely promoted on social media, which featured videos advertising illegal driving exhibitions.

These illegal driving exhibitions often occur in public streets and are commonly referred to as street takeovers. Street takeovers are known to be dangerous, often involving reckless driving, alcohol, narcotics, firearms, and stolen vehicles. They have led to numerous injuries and fatalities across the country.

Given the complaints and significant safety concerns, officers coordinated a response to shut down the event. Just prior to law enforcement arriving, videos were taken showing a vehicle performing “donuts” with a person hanging out of the window, surrounded by a large crowd of spectators on a public street. Upon police presence being detected, participants parked their vehicles.

Law enforcement arrested multiple individuals for participating in or witnessing a speed contest and for unlawful assembly. Several vehicles were impounded. The investigation also led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles, eight firearms, and approximately three pounds of illegal narcotics.

This operation underscores the ongoing threat posed by illegal street takeovers and the commitment of law enforcement to ensure public safety.

Oklahoma City Police Department