DJ Becker / The Madera News February 1st, 2022
A joint task force between the Madera Police Department and the California Highway Patrol recently broke up several large gatherings and cited drivers doing burnouts in intersections near Home Depot, Town and Country Park, and other locations popular for the illegal events. According to officers, 97 vehicles were stopped, seven drivers were arrested for DUI, 15 other citations were issued, and two vehicles were impounded and towed.
The upward statewide trend of reckless driving, street racing, and drivers doing stunts on public streets and intersections has resulted in the announcement of stepped-up police enforcement and a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy by the Madera Police Department, according to Chief Dino Lawson.
“We are getting the word out that this kind of reckless driving and dangerous behavior is not going to be tolerated here. Our officers are going to be out proactively looking for illegal vehicle modifications and other indicators of racing and street stunts.” Lawson said.
Lawson said a good number of the recent sideshow participants were from out of the area and the event was likely organized ahead of time, and then promoted on social media or by text messages. Just being a spectator at an illegal sideshow can result in a citation according to authorities.
Please report reckless, dangerous, or racing vehicles to the Madera Police Department dispatch line at 675-4220.
