Illegal street racing in Grover Beach leads to Multiple Arrests

GROVER BEACH, Calif. - Grover Beach police made some arrests over the weekend connected to illegal street racing.

Police say they were surprised by the two incidents.

Speed contests are against the law, they’re highly dangerous, and they come with some hefty legal consequences.

Two separate incidents involving illegal street racing took place on Grand Avenue in Grover Beach last weekend, leading to a total of 3 arrests.

“One arrest from Saturday night. Two arrests on Sunday night,” says Nelida Aceves, Grover Beach police commander.

Both incidents occurred after 10 p.m.. One was westbound on Saturday night. One was eastbound on Sunday night. And it all took place on Grand Avenue between Courtland Street in Arroyo Grande and 13th Street in Grover Beach.

“It was surprising watching the videos where the participants in the contest weren't even aware that the officers were in the area. So it clearly shows that they're not aware of their surroundings,” says Commander Aceves.

The vehicles were impounded and the drivers were arrested.

“Speed contests are not only illegal, they are a danger to the participants and to the public. And your vehicle can be towed for up to 30 days,” says Commander Aceves.

The arrests were unusual for the area.

“We get complaints regarding speeding but typically not speed contests. And within the city of Grover Beach, we haven't had speed contest arrests completed within the last year. So it's surprising to have two incidents in one weekend,” says Commander Aceves.

The public is encouraged to keep their situational awareness about them at any time of the day or night, as calls of speed violations can come at any time, without warning.

Speed contests are not localized to Grover Beach by any means, and many residents of Santa Maria say they know these races happen because they can hear the engines and tire screeches in their neighborhoods.