CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An 18-year-old was the first person arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police under North Carolina's new law that imposes harsher penalties for street takeovers.
Zachary Perialas was arrested last week after three cars involved in a Charlotte street takeover were seized, according to CMPD. Police and Union County deputies said they were able to break up the gathering that took place in a parking lot off of North Tryon and North Church streets the night of Dec. 9. The agency was able to track down the organizer, later identified as Perialas, a few days later.
“He is somebody who is well known to us,” CMPD Sgt. Wayne Goode said. “He has organized several events before, several street takeovers.”
Senate Bill 91 went into law on Dec. 1 and gives authorities across North Carolina the ability to seize vehicles involved in these organized events. Street takeovers are the unauthorized taking over of a part of a highway or street by blocking the flow of traffic to perform stunts, such as burnouts and doughnuts. Many of the incidents are recorded and later posted to social media, including a few recently in Uptown.
“Before you got a reckless driving ticket, that was it," Goode explained. "And if you were organizing it, there was nothing really done for it. Now, there is a strong penalty, a minimum fine of $1,000 for your first offence, if you're actively involved."
That means an organizer, participants or spectators at the event can also get their cars taken away.
“It’s extremely dangerous because people get out and are in the middle of these cars while they are doing doughnuts,” Goode shared. “No matter how good of a driver you are, you can’t control that car every time.”
Street takeovers have become quite a nuisance in the Queen City with CMPD charging dozens of people for their alleged involvement. As of Dec 19, CMPD had issued 141 citations, made 32 arrests and towed 201 vehicles tied to the crime.
A CMPD spokesperson said the department will enforce the new law to its fullest extent.
"Do not come to Charlotte and participate in these activities," Lt. Kevin Pietrus warned. "We will arrest you, and we will seize your car."
People who violate the new law, outside of the $1,000, could be charged with a misdemeanor. Repeat offenders, meaning those who accrue a second offense within 24 months, would face a felony charge, and the fine would increase to twice the value of the car they're driving. Even spectators can be charged with a misdemeanor.
"There are actual state statutes for spontaneous street racing, and, in that particular case, we charged in that case," CMPD Lt. Christopher Rorie said. "We hope that, along with this new statue and the statues we already have, it will discourage this behavior."
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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