Tampa PD arrests 14 in street racing operation

More than a dozen individuals were arrested, and multiple guns were recovered, by the Tampa Police Department between Friday, January 27, through Sunday, January 29, 2023, as part of an operation to dismantle a planned street racing event throughout Tampa Bay.

Officers became aware of an event circulating on social media dubbed the "Tampa vs Everybody" takeover. Participants were sharing information privately via social media apps regarding meeting locations where they would either race or perform vehicle stunts in the roadways, such as "donuts" in front of spectators, shutting down the streets. Some of the participants were expected to be armed with firearms, based on information received by officers.

Street racers were located in the act at multiple locations throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas of Tampa Bay. Tampa PD arrested 14 individuals, some of whom are minors facing misdemeanor charges, therefore their names are not included:

FLEEING TO ELUDE POLICE (x2)
Jan-29-2023 1:19 AM
N NEBRASKA AVE / E HENDERSON AVE
Zephen McDaniel, 18 years old (booked by Pasco SO)
Ariel De La Mora, 18 years old (booked by Pasco SO)

AGGRAVATED FLEEING TO ELUDE POLICE (x5)
Jan-29-2023 2:17 AM
N BOULEVARD / W KENNEDY BLVD
Matthew Jones, 20 years old
Micky Finn, 17 years old
Al-walit Morton, 18 years old
Walisha Morton, 17 years old

FLEEING TO ELUDE POLICE (x1), CARRYING A CONCEALED FIREARM (x1), ARMED POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (X1)
Jan-28-2023 11:55 PM
N 43RD ST / E SLIGH AVE
Anthony Alvarado, 19 years old

ASSIST OTHER JURISDICTION ARREST
Jan-28-2023 9:46 PM
E MADISON ST / N FLORIDA AVE
Derrick Bass Jr, 30 years old
Case Summary: Derrick Bass intentionally and without permission kept a rented U-Haul pickup truck past its return date. Bass was observed driving and exiting the stolen U-Haul while street racing.

CARRYING A CONCEALED FIREARM (x1), POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE- MUSHROOMS (X1), DISCHARGING A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE- MORTAR LAUNCHER (X1)
Jan-28-2023 1:57 AM
N 40TH ST / E CHELSEA ST
Harlee Cooper, 18 years old

FLEEING TO ELUDE POLICE AND HIT AND RUN (x1)
Jan-28-2023 1:30 AM
I275 / EXIT 41C I275 N HIMES AVE
Wayne Warren Jr, 22 years old

RACING ON HIGHWAYS (x2)
Jan-28-2023 12:48 AM
1103 N 22ND ST
Brody Parker Richardson, 18 years old
Zackreyiah Wade Stribling, 19 years old

"During one of the busiest weekends in Tampa, Gasparilla, Tampa Police worked diligently to locate these racers and bring their reckless behavior to a screeching halt. We're thankful for the many residents who saw this event advertised on social media and reached out to police for the safety of their community," said Interim Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "Putting lives at risk for their own entertainment is extremely careless and unacceptable. We want to send a clear message to anyone thinking of copying the actions of these individuals: You WILL get caught, and your next ride will be to jail."

A total of seven firearms were recovered during the operation. Additional arrests are expected.