Pikesville, MD – A coordinated overnight crackdown across central Maryland led to multiple arrests and the disruption of several large illegal car rallies, officials said.
According to the Maryland Car Rally Task Force, the operation began late Friday night and continued into Saturday morning, targeting alleged exhibition driving and large gatherings across Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Howard County. Authorities said high-visibility patrols helped prevent crowds of up to 300 participants who were allegedly preparing for reckless driving, roadway takeovers and disorderly conduct.
Officials said enforcement efforts were concentrated in Temple Hills, Capitol Heights, Hanover and Elkridge, where officers monitored known meetup locations and intervened before events could escalate.
Police said two adults were arrested during the operation. Steven Javier Cruze-Benitez, 18, of Silver Spring, was allegedly charged with reckless endangerment, multiple assault offenses and firearm-related charges, including possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Payton Frazier, 19, of Pasadena, was also taken into custody after allegedly becoming disorderly during an investigation and was charged with resisting arrest and failure to obey lawful commands. Frazier was later released following an initial court appearance.
Two 17-year-olds were also detained. Authorities said one teen from Fairfax, Virginia, was allegedly found with a loaded firearm and faces multiple charges. Another teen from Laurel was reportedly found with a replica firearm and later released to a parent.
The Maryland Car Rally Task Force said the enforcement effort involved multiple agencies working together to address ongoing concerns surrounding illegal exhibition driving and public safety risks.
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