Drivers terrorized in Orange County street takeover but still no arrests

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Updated  December 13, 2024 9:44pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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Drivers terrorized in Orange County street takeover

A mob of at least 30 people took over a busy Orange County intersection, setting fires and performing dangerous stunts, including drivers doing donuts in the middle of the road. One witness told deputies he was stopped at a red light when the crowd began attacking his Tesla, kicking the windshield and causing $60,000 in damage.

The Brief

    • A mob of at least 30 people took over an Orange County intersection on Nov. 30, setting fires and harassing drivers, including damaging a Tesla and jumping on a car with a mother and baby inside.
    • The chaotic takeover, described as dangerous and disruptive, has prompted the sheriff’s office to prioritize efforts against illegal street racing and similar events.
    • Despite proactive operations since early 2023, no arrests have been made in this case.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A "mob" of at least 30 people took over a busy Orange County intersection, setting fires and performing dangerous stunts, including drivers doing donuts in the middle of the road. 

The chaotic scene, which unfolded on Nov. 30 at South John Young Parkway and Central Florida Parkway, left innocent drivers harassed and in danger, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.

"I feel so really bad for the people that were just there trying to go about their daily lives and got caught up in that that mess," said Dave Nutting, a law enforcement specialist and retired deputy with the sheriff's office.

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One witness told deputies he was stopped at a red light when the crowd began attacking his Tesla, kicking the windshield and causing $60,000 in damage. Another driver, a mother with her baby in the car, had people jumping on her vehicle.

"I've seen so many road rage shootings and a large number of them end up being justifiable homicides, because the person pulling the trigger is afraid for their lives," Nutting explained.

The sheriff’s office has made cracking down on illegal street racing and takeovers a priority, but tracking down suspects can be challenging. 

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Deputies have conducted dozens of proactive operations since early 2023 to combat the issue, including ticketing and arresting reckless drivers, street racers, and event spectators. So far, no arrests have been made in the Nov. 30 incident.

The Source: Information and video for this story were provided by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.