Want to race in Wake County? You could lose your car
The three people arrested for racing on two highways over the past weekend face more than just jail time.
They are charged with "pre-arranged speeding." The penalty can include seizure, even sale, of the vehicles involved.
On Friday, deputies with the Wake County Sheriff's Office clocked a Camaro SS and a BMW X3, that appeared to be racing, going 115 mph on Interstate 540.
Deputies stopped the Camaro and took the driver into custody, but were unable to stop the BMW.
An hour later, around midnight, deputies stopped a Kawasaki MC motorcycle and a Mustang racing at speeds up to 118 mph on Interstate 40 near U.S. Highway 1. Both drivers were taken into custody.
"Racing is an issue," said Deputy Beckley Vaughn. "It is something we see often. You probably see it as well."
Mary Beth Mueffelmann said, "I would feel really nervous if someone was driving that quickly around me."
The three drivers arrested were charged with prearranged speed competition, speeding and reckless driving, and their vehicles were seized by the sheriff's office.
According to deputies:
- Salvador Garcia-Barajas, 23, was going 115 mph
- Jose De Jesus Diaz-Martinez, 22, was going 115 mph
- Kaylee Julia Morton, 18, was going 118 mph
The "pre-arranged" charge is added when the race appears to have been not spontaneous but scheduled. Drivers post to social media or communicate through other means to draw competitors to a race.
It hasn't been used often. In 2023, a charge of pre-arranged speed competition was used four times, and just 30 days into the new year, it's been used another four times.
For those charged, Vaughan says, cars are confiscated and could be sold. "You don’t get it back same day and you may not get it all."
"Don’t do it. It is not worth your life. It is not worth someone else’s life," said Sgt. John Moore.
