HOWARD COUNTY, MD – Howard County Police Department (HCPD) reminds residents that illegal car rallies are strictly not tolerated. The damage caused by these dangerous events, often involving dozens or hundreds of illegally modified cars, can be extensive.
Recently, participants in these pop-up rallies have been observed engaging in reckless behavior like dangerous street racing, spin-outs, and shutting down public intersections.
Damages in Clarksville to private businesses’ parking lots and a church, whose repair costs are estimated at $20,000 or more, were attributed to such rallies.
The HCPD’s focused initiatives have largely kept these groups at bay. However, during recent rallies, officers dispersed the crowds and issued traffic citations. Charges for destruction of property are pending, and the insurance companies of those involved will be informed.
The HCPD emphasizes the inherent risks these rallies pose to not only participants and spectators, but other road users as well. They may lead to vehicle crashes, injuries, property damage, vandalism, noise, and intimidation.