Chicago drag racers took the excitement – and danger – to a new level Sunday morning, creating a gasoline-fueled ring of fire around dozens of spectators as drivers did donuts around the circle in a frightening scene caught on video.
Police video obtained by the news outlet CWBChicago shows the spectators huddled on Lower Wacker Drive as gas is poured on the ground around them around 2:30 a.m. Someone ignites it and, as the circle of flames rises, some record the action on the cell phones while others leap to safety.
Police who monitor the area’s surveillance cameras estimated as many as 100 cars were at the scene, which has long been a congregating place for dangerous racing. The crowd blocked off the street to normal traffic as drivers did donuts in an intersection. Then came the horrifying scene captured on dramatic video.
This motorcycle mayhem and drag racing has been going on in the Chicago Loop all day. pic.twitter.com/yNzgclElVz
— Jeff Carlson (@car_jaq) May 3, 2020
The Chicago Police Department told the outlet no reports were filed, but gas cans were reportedly still strewn around the area more than 12 hours later.
Last year, Chicago aldermen launched a bid to stop motorcycle clubs from racing on city streets, empowering police to impound motorcycles, dirt bikes and other “nonhighway vehicles” being used for drag racing. The city has also used helicopters, license plate recognition cameras and noise monitors to stop illegal racing on Lower Wacker and Lake Shore Drive.
In January, Illinois State Police arrested several people following a high speed chase that started in Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood, where a task force had spotted several cars drag racing at Ford City Mall.
Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill now awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature that would fine street racers $250 and charge them with a misdemeanor for a first offense. A second offense would carry a $500 fine and felony charges.
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Source: Dailywire
