Illegal street racing bust: 4 from Lee County arrested in Brandon

Melissa Marino
·2 min read

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Four people are facing charges after they were accused of traveling from Lee County to attend an “organized street racing event” in Hillsborough County.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies learned the event was scheduled to take place in Brandon and setup an undercover operation nearby.

Around 1 a.m., they witnessed a street takeover at the intersection of Cragmont Drive and Princess Palm Avenue. Multiple vehicles were traveling recklessly and doing burnouts, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Our deputies received some information that there was going to be an organized street racing event this weekend at that intersection so we went out there to keep an eye on everything and around 1 o’clock in the morning is really when things became chaotic,” said Amanda Granit, the agency’s chief communications officer.

Video taken by a bystander showed the chaos. Spectators can be seen shooting off fireworks.

Deputies said four people allegedly traveled to the event from Lee County in a 2022 Dodge Challenger. While searching the vehicle, deputies found Roman candles and video recording equipment. They were arrested and charged with participating in a street race.

The driver and passengers were identified as:

  • Caden Turner, 20

  • Samuel Orvil, 22

  • Kylie O’Brien, 20

  • Ar’moni Ferrell, 20

“These individuals learned the hard way that Hillsborough County is not the place to travel to commit crimes. We are one step ahead and diligent in our efforts to keep our community safe,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Street racing is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous, those who choose to engage in illegal activities here will face the inevitable consequences.”

Deputies seized another car, a 2006 Chrysler 300, but the driver and passengers allegedly ran away from the scene.

A resident who spoke with News Channel 8 said he’s heard about events like this being organized.

“The best way I can explain it, I know some people who have been to them. Somebody will have a group chat and they tell a bunch of people, like OK come here, and we’re just gonna do it, you know, like who’s gonna arrest them all,” he said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office hopes the weekend arrests send a message to criminals.

“We hope this serves as a reminder that Sheriff Chronister and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will not accept this kind of behavior, and if you do this on the streets of Hillsborough County, you will be arrested. Even if you’re not a driver, even if you just find yourself as a passenger, you know, they’re very serious consequences that come with this,” said Granit.

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