Three people were arrested early Saturday morning after Florida Highway Patrol troopers said two vehicles raced along Interstate 75 in Manatee County at speeds exceeding 120 mph, with two young children riding in one of the cars.
According to FHP, the incident occurred at approximately 12:04 a.m. and involved a Dodge Charger and a Dodge Challenger.
Troopers reported seeing the front-seat passenger of the Charger extend her hand outside the vehicle and use her arm to signal a three-two-one countdown. Both vehicles then accelerated rapidly and traveled side by side at speeds exceeding 120 mph before troopers conducted traffic stops.
Investigators discovered a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old in the back seat of the Charger. FHP identified the driver as 27-year-old Tomas Valencia Ortega of Wesley Chapel. The children’s mother was seated in the front passenger seat.
The driver of the Challenger was identified as 27-year-old Joshua Alan York of Brandon.
Valencia Ortega and York were arrested on charges related to street racing and dangerous excessive speed. Valencia Ortega also faces a child neglect charge because of the two children in his vehicle.
The woman riding in the front passenger seat of the Charger was also arrested and charged with participating in a street race. FHP did not release her name.
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified following the incident.
Both vehicles were impounded for 30 business days in accordance with Florida law.