JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced multiple arrests Wednesday following an operation to crack down on coordinated street racing in the city.
The sheriff's office coined the investigation "Operation Decelerate," which resulted in five arrests and over 70 citations in a street racing event that Waters said was planned on social media.
"They think we were born yesterday and can't read social media," the sheriff said.
JSO named Sergio Jomal Rodriguez-Campos, 23, Jaquaine Thomas, 23, Keelan Pelham-Knight, 20, Josser Flores Avila, 18, and Julio Rodriguez, 27, as the arrestees in the case. Waters said the organizer of the event was one of the five arrested.
"There weren't a whole bunch of arrests, but they were meaningful arrests of the right people," he said.
One hundred and fourteen JSO officers were assigned to 'Operation Decelerate' in what Waters called one of the more robust responses to street racing the agency has conducted.
The agency released compilation footage of 'Operation Decelerate' to the public. First Coast News censored the graphic content for viewers who prefer it. It can be viewed below. The original video can be found on JSO's twitter page.
"If you think you can come to Jacksonville and cause havoc on our streets with impunity, you're dead wrong. Go someplace else," Waters stated.
The sheriff said the crackdown on street racing doesn't end with "Operation Decelerate."
"We know where you are and we know what you're doing," Waters said. "The penalties you face will only get stiffer. Under new state legislation that becomes effective July 1, you'll be subject to enhanced penalties for street racing."
Waters is referencing SB 1764, a street racing bill that increases maximum fines for first-time offenses from $1,000 to $2,000. Additionally, people who commit second offenses within a year could face third-degree felony charges.
"I promise you that this sheriff and this sheriff's office is not playing that game," Waters added. "We'll come at you, we'll come for you and we're going to come get you if you continue to do this in our city."
Waters said he's hoping the word is out that JSO is cracking down on street racing and hopes it helps put a stop to the groups using Jacksonville as a racing and stunt destination.
"We're already seeing some chatter where they want to stop coming here," he said.