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Four people were arrested after authorities said hundreds of vehicles blocked all northbound lanes of Interstate 75 during an apparent street takeover in Hillsborough County, Florida early Saturday, prompting a high-speed chase that reached 140 mph.
The incident began around 1:30 a.m. near mile marker 266 in Thonotosassa, where Florida Highway Patrol traffic cameras captured a large gathering of vehicles stopping traffic while some drivers performed burnouts in the middle of the interstate, according to an arrest report.
As troopers responded to the scene, video showed vehicles rapidly dispersing as drivers and spectators rushed back to their cars, the report said. While most of those involved were allowed to leave without facing charges, one green BMW allegedly sped away from the scene, leading a trooper to initiate a pursuit.
FLORIDA MAN IN BUNNY HELMET ALLEGEDLY LED POLICE ON 120 MPH CHASE BEFORE SURRENDERING TO TROOPERS
Yulian Lugo was charged with aggravated fleeing to elude and participating in a street takeover after authorities said he fled Florida Highway Patrol troopers at speeds reaching 140 mph. (Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office)
According to FHP, the BMW accelerated to approximately 140 mph — about twice the posted speed limit — before exiting the interstate and eventually stopping in a parking lot.
The driver, identified as 25-year-old Yulian Lugo, was arrested and charged with aggravated fleeing to elude and participating in a street takeover, both felony offenses, authorities said.
Three passengers — a 24-year-old and two 18-year-olds — were also taken into custody and each charged with misdemeanor highway racing, according to FHP.
All four were booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.
VIRAL TEEN TAKEOVERS UNLEASH CHAOS NATIONWIDE AS MALLS, BEACHES AND RESTAURANTS BECOME BATTLEGROUNDS
A Florida Highway Patrol cruiser is parked on the roadside. Authorities arrested four people after an alleged street takeover shut down Interstate 75 early Saturday. (Sam Navarro/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service)
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Street takeovers, in which participants use public roads to perform stunts such as burnouts and other reckless driving maneuvers while crowds gather to watch, have become an enforcement focus for law enforcement agencies in Florida and across the country because of the safety risks they pose to motorists, participants and spectators.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Florida Highway Patrol for additional information, including whether investigators expect to make additional arrests or release dashcam or traffic camera video of the incident.
