NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Officials with the Metro Nashville Police Department are conducting operations to crack down on illegal street racing in the city.
Drag racing, burnouts and donuts have been an ongoing occurrence throughout the years in parts of South Nashville including the Nolensville Pike and Harding Place areas.
The drivers gained attention in recent weeks after witnesses captured hundreds of people blocking intersections and roads and doing donuts on different properties. At least one woman said she was stuck and feared for her life.
Metro police began increasing surveillance and monitoring social media as recently as last week after receiving numerous complaints. While there has been similar enforcement over the years, the renewed effort has both city leaders and residents pleased. Authorities added extra manpower, brought in the Tennessee Highway Patrol for assistance and scoured online for any clues that would indicate large gatherings.
Councilman Robert Nash said police were able to stop drag racing during the initiative over the weekend. MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron said he was not aware of any citations issued.
"It's very frustrating because we don't know where they will strike at any given time," Nash told NewsChannel 5. "Police are making sure they're on social media to get ahead of the curve and if they know where something's going to meet, to get it broken up before the crowd can gather."
Aaron said the plan will likely continue as they continue to receive tips and leads. Lt. Bill Miller of THP added that the department will have troopers assisting with periodic patrols.
Residents like Judy Rogers says she hears the loud engines throughout the week while she is already in bed. Her main concern is safety.
"It's really dangerous because where I live, the curves are so sharp and you don't see the apartment driveways when you come out. By the time somebody comes and they're speeding, they're going to hit you," Rogers said.
In an email to his constituents, Nash said he has also been in touch with Valor Academy and the supervisor at the Tractor Supply facility who share the parking area on Nolensville Pike. He said the illegal activity is damaging their facilities and potentially endangering people in the area. They are considering ways to prevent access to property, such as gates, installing No Trespassing Signs and installing parking space bumpers to deny rally drivers the open space.
