TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- The Florida Highway Patrol released dashcam video of several car chases after law enforcement broke up a reported street takeover in Hillsborough County Friday night.
Members of the Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa Police Department responded to several locations where individuals were reportedly going to race and perform “dangerous” stunts.
Law enforcement said they were also able to shut down two takeovers before they turned dangerous — one at Busch Boulevard and Florida Avenue, the other at the Temple Terrace Winn Dixie.
At a third location, at the intersection of Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Troopers said a takeover had already started.
Video showed people running and cars fleeing as troopers arrived at the location.
Troopers said they engaged in several short pursuits at the third location, resulting in 10 arrests.
In one video, the driver of a white car took off onto a main road. A trooper was able to stop the vehicle with a PIT maneuver.
In another video, sparks can be seen flying off a fleeing vehicle before a trooper was able to stop the vehicle at a nearby Wawa.
According to FHP, four drivers were charged with felonies, and six passengers were charged with street racing and takeover ranging in age from 17 to 24. Four vehicles were impounded.
Neighbors said they were happy to see law enforcement cracking down on street takeovers but also expressed safety concerns.
"If you’re running and you’re panicking, obviously you can kill somebody. Not only that but in a gas station, what if it turns in the flames," Melka Haliu said.
"It’s very dangerous for the community, especially around here where there are a lot of families with kids that walk those roads and stuff, so for the kids to be running around here doing what they’re doing, it’s not safe," Norma King said. "And the chases, you know the police chasing them, that just adds to the extra danger."
News Channel 8 reached out to FHP, a spokesperson sent the agencies pursuit policy:
In evaluating the need to initiate a pursuit, the member must determine if the suspect is actively fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer or has previously committed a forcible felony.
Further, in determining the appropriateness, speed, and extent of a pursuit, the member must exercise due regard to ensure that their actions are objectively reasonable. In doing so, members will consider the following:
a. The nature of the offense committed by the suspect, the potential danger to the public if the suspect is not immediately apprehended, and the possibility of the suspect's arrest at a
later date.
b. The existing traffic conditions, road surface and width, weather, visibility, road familiarity, type of area (i.e. urban, residential, rural, school zone), type of area to be encountered if the pursuit were to continue, or any condition that would create additional dangers for traffic or the public.
c. The limitations and conditions of both the member or the patrol vehicle.
Anyone who encounters street racing, stunt driving or a roadway takeover while they are on the road is asked to safely pull over and report it by calling *FHP or 911.
Those with information regarding an upcoming event can email StopRacing@flhsmv.gov to alert authorities. Tipsters are asked to provide any corresponding screenshots or documentation.