3 street racing suspects arrested, others on the run, Atlanta police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta police say there’s been a recent resurgence of illegal street racing in the city.

This weekend, officers responded to multiple calls of street races across Atlanta, police said in a press conference Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday night, four street racing events were held in Atlanta city limits, police said.

During the press conference Sunday, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said three suspects were arrested Saturday night on charges stemming from allegedly organizing the races, and multiple vehicles were impounded for being involved in criminal activity.

He said the suspects arrested Saturday live outside city limits.

“Last night we arrested three individuals for participating as a non-driver, meaning you either filmed the event and posted it or you used your body or your vehicle to block the intersection,” Schierbaum said.

According to Schierbaum, those arrested were: Treyon Hamilton-Coleman, 24, of Riverdale, Jaquez Smith, 22, of Locust Grove, and Tyrik Ponder, 20, of Hampton. Schierbaum said they’re facing charges of promoting or organizing a street racing event.

He said the suspects are being held in the Fulton County Jail.

“Those three individuals were responsible for bringing mayhem, unsafe activity, and criminal activity throughout Atlanta, and they’re going to be held responsible,” Schierbaum said.

Schierbaum said another suspect, Montrez Carter of McDonough, was in Atlanta organizing an illegal street race Saturday night. He said an arrest warrant has been issued for Carter, who returned to McDonough after the race.

Police said they’ve also issued an arrest warrant for a suspect named Darius Edmunds, who allegedly eluded arrest on charges stemming from street racing events in Atlanta on Memorial Day weekend.

Police said they started seeing the resurgence in street racing last weekend. Schierbaum said his officers will continue cracking down on those who take part in illegal street racing.

“If you are going to organize street racing events in Atlanta, Georgia, we are going to locate you, we’re going to identify you, and we’re going to hold you accountable,” Schierbaum said.

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