Multiple large-scale illegal car rallies were dismantled Friday night across Howard, Prince George’s, and Montgomery counties following a coordinated enforcement operation by the Maryland Car Rally Task Force and partner law enforcement agencies, according to Maryland State Police.
The operation began around 9 p.m. on Friday, January 2, and targeted public roads, industrial areas, and parking lots where illegal exhibition driving events were planned or underway. Police said high-visibility patrols and enforcement actions prevented crowds of up to 300 participants from engaging in dangerous driving behavior, disorderly conduct, and roadway shutdowns.
Task force members responded to four locations where large-scale driving exhibitions were actively taking place and were dismantled:
- 2801 52nd Avenue in Hyattsville
- 12103 Indian Creek Court in Beltsville
- Marlboro Pike at Dower House Road in Upper Marlboro
- 3912 Ironwood Place in Hyattsville
Law enforcement also responded to three additional locations where potential exhibitions were prevented before they could begin:
- 702 King Farm Boulevard in Rockville
- 8927 McGraw Court in Columbia
- 9300 Alaking Court in Capitol Heights
During the operation, Maryland State Police arrested and charged multiple individuals on weapons-related offenses. Two 17-year-old males, both from Silver Spring, were charged with possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle and possession of a handgun in a vehicle. Antonio Armando Chicas, 23, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested and charged with the same offenses.
In a separate arrest, Angel Urrutia Barahona, 21, of Stafford, Virginia, was charged with possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle, possession of a handgun in a vehicle, possession of a loaded handgun on his person, possession of a handgun on his person, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
The Maryland Car Rally Task Force is a multi-agency collaboration that includes the Maryland State Police, police departments from Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard, and Baltimore counties, Baltimore City Police, and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. Officials say the task force continues to play a critical role in addressing illegal exhibition driving and maintaining public safety throughout the region.
