FHP: 120 MPH Street Race on I-75 Ends With Two Arrests, Children Found Inside One Car
Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — What began as two muscle cars speeding down Interstate 75 quickly escalated into a dangerous, high-speed street race topping 120 mph, with two young children riding in the back seat of one of the vehicles, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The incident unfolded just after midnight Saturday, when FHP troopers spotted a Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger traveling northbound on I-75 at approximately 100 mph in Manatee County.
Troopers said the two cars then slowed dramatically to around 50 mph, but the slowdown was only temporary.
According to FHP, the right-front passenger of the Charger reached her arm out of the window and gave what appeared to be a 3-2-1 countdown.
Then both drivers punched it.
The Charger and Challenger reportedly accelerated side-by-side, quickly climbing past 120 mph as troopers watched the two vehicles engage in what FHP described as an illegal street race.
Troopers moved in and stopped both cars.
What they found inside the Charger made the situation even more serious.
According to FHP, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old child were sitting in the back seat during the alleged race. Their mother was seated in the front passenger seat, while their father was driving.
The Charger driver was identified as 27-year-old Tomas Valencia Ortega of Wesley Chapel. The Challenger driver was identified as 27-year-old Joshua Alan York of Brandon.
Both men were arrested on charges related to street racing and dangerous excessive speed, also referred to by FHP under Florida’s “Super Speeder” enforcement laws.
Both were booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
Valencia Ortega was additionally charged with child neglect because of the children riding inside the Charger during the alleged race, according to FHP.
The adult female passenger accused of giving the countdown was also charged with participating in a street race.
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified following the incident.
Under Florida law, both vehicles were impounded for 30 business days.
The arrests come as law enforcement agencies across Florida continue cracking down on illegal street racing, stunt driving and roadway takeovers, activities officials say can turn deadly in seconds.
The booking photographs released in connection with the case show both York and Valencia Ortega following their arrests.
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| Booking images for Joshua York, left, and Tomas Valencia Ortega, right, following their arrests in connection with an alleged high-speed street race on northbound Interstate 75 in Manatee County. According to Florida Highway Patrol, both drivers were accused of racing at speeds over 120 mph. Valencia Ortega also faces a child neglect charge after troopers said a 2-year-old and 4-year-old were inside his vehicle. Source: Hillsborough County Jail / Florida Highway Patrol. |
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: Florida Highway Patrol, provided directly to iSkyNews.com.
Stay safe out there, folks, and thank you to the Florida Highway Patrol for working to keep Florida’s roadways safe.
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