Maryland Car Rally Task Force Disrupts Illegal Gatherings, Makes Four Arrests

The Maryland Car Rally Task Force, in conjunction with several partner law enforcement agencies, successfully dismantled four large-scale illegal car rallies and prevented three others from occurring. These operations took place on Friday, January 2, across Howard, Prince George’s, and Montgomery counties. The coordinated efforts, which began at 9 p.m., focused on public roads, industrial areas, and parking lots, aiming to curb exhibition driving, disorderly conduct, and traffic disruptions. Authorities reported that these high-visibility patrols were instrumental in preventing gatherings that could have reached up to 300 participants.

The task force responded to specific locations where illegal driving exhibitions were dismantled. These sites included 2801 52nd Avenue in Hyattsville, 12103 Indian Creek Court in Beltsville, Marlboro Pike at Dower House Road in Upper Marlboro, and 3912 Ironwood Place in Hyattsville. In addition to dismantling these events, law enforcement also intervened at three other potential gathering sites, preventing exhibitions at 702 King Farm Boulevard in Rockville, 8927 McGraw Court in Columbia, and 9300 Alaking Court in Capitol Heights.

During these operations, four individuals were arrested and charged. Two 17-year-old males from Silver Spring, Maryland, were apprehended for possessing a loaded handgun and a handgun within a vehicle. Antonio Armando Chicas, 23, of Woodbridge, Virginia, also faces charges for possession of a loaded handgun and a handgun in a vehicle. Angel Urrutia Barahona, 21, of Stafford, Virginia, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a loaded handgun on his person and within a vehicle, as well as possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

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The Maryland Car Rally Task Force represents a collaborative initiative involving the Maryland State Police and police departments from Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County, as well as the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. This multi-agency partnership is designed to effectively address the persistent issue of illegal exhibition driving throughout the designated regions of Maryland. Residents concerned about illegal street racing and exhibition driving can report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agencies.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland State Police

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