OMAHA, Neb. — Illegal drag racing is causing concerns in Omaha after a recent gathering took a dangerous turn at the intersection of Abbot Dr. and Crownpoint Ave. This past Friday, a car lost control going onto a raised concrete median, hit a metal street sign and then flew into a crowd of people, injuring three.
A video that has been circulating online shows the full accident. The driver was arrested on a DUI charge, having no insurance and reckless driving. Information from concerned onlookers helped make the arrest.
"So sometimes we do rely on information from the public to report this activity to us," Officer Michael Pecha of the Omaha Police Department said.
Surrounding businesses and OPD say they're frustrated and want the illegal activities to stop.
"Exceeding the speed limit, driving recklessly, in the case of this particular incident people actually obstructing traffic and blocking the street," Officer Pecha said.
Police say if you see any illegal drag racing, call 911 immediately. If you are illegally drag racing, OPD wants you to revert to legal racing in designated areas. Kearney Raceway Park Dragstrip is one option in Nebraska and another option in Iowa is I29 Dragway. More options are also available online for safe, drag racing venues.
"It's a public safety issue, people should know there are sanctioned drag strips in the area where people can go and legally drag race and that would be a better option than putting people's lives in danger," Officer Pecha said.
Mixing illegal drag racing with alcohol could result in some serious charges.
"You know our officers do take it seriously because it is a safety issue and they will make arrests," Officer Pecha added.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing. The onlookers that were hit are expected to recover.
