Prince George’s County targets street racing crowds in upcoming vote

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A high-stakes vote Tuesday could reshape how police in Prince George’s County respond to illegal street racing and so-called “takeovers,” with a proposal that targets not just drivers, but the crowds that gather to watch.

County leaders said the urgency is growing. Since the start of the year, police have reported at least 25 illegal street races and takeovers across the county. Many of these events attract large crowds—sometimes hundreds of spectators—and spread rapidly on social media.

Officials argue that those crowds are a key reason the events continue.

“Without an audience, these events lose their momentum,” leaders said.

Some of the gatherings have turned dangerous. Authorities report serious injuries tied to recent incidents, including one woman who had to be medevac’d. Police also said they’ve recovered 15 firearms and illegal drugs connected to street racing crackdowns.

Now, the county council is considering Bill CB-12, introduced by Wanika Fisher, in what’s being described as a first-of-its-kind approach.

The proposed law would make it a crime to knowingly attend and watch illegal street racing or takeover events—not just participate in them.

Under the bill:

• A first offense would carry a $1,000 fine
• A second offense would increase to $2,000
• Repeat violations could bring $3,000 fines and possible jail time

Fisher says the goal is to help officers break up dangerous situations more effectively.

“People that are attending these roundups are not only getting hurt but they are also causing the takeovers to be so massive,” Fisher said. “How is my officer supposed to arrest the driver when there are 200 people between the officer and the driver?”

Still, the proposal is raising questions.

Critics and some community members are asking how police would prove someone “knowingly” attended an illegal event—and whether innocent bystanders could be mistakenly cited.

The vote comes just one week after a deadly incident tied to a similar gathering in neighboring Howard County, where a person was shot and killed following an illegal car rally.

If approved, the county would have 45 days to finalize and implement the law before it takes effect. County leaders say the measure is ultimately about public safety—aimed at curbing dangerous gatherings before they escalate.