Suffolk Police Arrest Four in Crackdown on Illegal Street Racing

Suffolk County law enforcement announced four arrests this week connected to a series of illegal car meets and street racing incidents that unfolded across the county in late 2025 and early 2026. The arrests follow investigations into reckless driving, unlawful speed contests, sideshows, and attempts to flee police that officials say posed serious risks to public safety.

Police said David Alvarado Zelaya, 26, of Wyandanch, was arrested Jan. 3 on charges including unlawful speed contests, sideshows, and races. Zelaya was observed performing a burnout in a 2020 Dodge Charger in a parking lot at 437 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley on Dec. 28; the vehicle was impounded. Officers also arrested Daniel Velasquez Chavez, 24, of North Bay Shore, on Jan. 2 on charges of second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, and unlawful speed contests, sideshows, and races. Those charges stem from a Dec. 7 incident in Brentwood where police say a driver fled a traffic stop at high speed.

A 17-year-old male from Centereach was arrested Jan. 2 on charges of unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and reckless driving related to a Nov. 28 incident in Selden. In the aftermath of that incident, police charged 26-year-old Gerardo Benitez of Centereach with falsely reporting an incident after he reported the Hyundai involved as stolen.

County officials emphasized the Street Takeover Task Force, created in November 2024, has produced sustained enforcement results. Police reported the unit has broken up 92 street takeovers, issued 8,656 summonses, made 65 arrests, and impounded 103 vehicles. County Executive Ed Romaine praised the effort, saying, “The Street Takeover Task Force has made Suffolk County safer by taking dangerous drivers off the roads and impounding vehicles. I applaud Commissioner Kevin Catalina and the unit for addressing this critical quality-of-life issue.”

The arrests and the task force’s activity carry direct implications for neighborhoods where illegal car meets have concentrated. Residents cite noise, traffic hazards, and the danger posed to bystanders and emergency responders. For county leaders and law enforcement, the challenge now is balancing aggressive enforcement with prevention strategies that address youth involvement and vehicle access. Decisions about resource allocation, prosecution of juvenile defendants, and use of impoundment will shape how effective the response remains and how the community perceives fairness and safety.

Officials are urging anyone with information about illegal car meets to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. As enforcement continues, voters and local policymakers will assess whether the approach reduces repeat incidents and improves neighborhood quality of life without unintended consequences.