Brakes Slammed On Racers

Five suspected drag racers were arrested and had their vehicles seized during an undercover enforcement operation conducted jointly by the 104th and 108th precincts along the Maspeth/Woodside border last Saturday night, Apr. 28, it was reported.

Under the direction of Capt. John Travaglia, the 104th Precinct’s executive officer, and Captains Michael Cody and Donald Powers, the respective commanders of the 104th and 108th precincts, officers stopped the suspects in the vicinity of Maurice Avenue and the Long Island Expressway.

As noted over the years by community residents, the Maurice Avenue strip has been a notorious hot spot for illegal drag racing during late night and weekend hours.

Based on information obtained by both commands, police said, 104th and 108th precinct officers carried out the operation, stopping several vehicles believed to be involved in the illegal activity.

Two of the unidentified racers were busted for having forged license plates on their vehicles, while another pair were booked on DWI charges, law enforcement sources noted. A fifth individual was taken into custody for having a suspended license.

In addition, police seized the suspect’s vehicles. Over 20 summonses were also issued to drivers for various moving and parking violations.

Rosemarie Daraio, president of the Communities of Maspeth and Elmhurst Together (COMET) civic association, applauded the efforts by police in an e-mail sent to the Times Newsweekly.

“Our 104th/108th (precincts) area continues to be prime drag racing territory,” Daraio wrote. She advised residents that “if you hear drag racing, call 911, because it’s causing a dangerous condition.”

Investigations into drag racing activities around both confines are ongoing, police said.