Minnesota law enforcement agencies tackle street racing, arrest 8 people

Minnesota law enforcement is working hard to put the brakes on street racing, and a recent investigation resulted in the arrests of eight people for various felonies.

“Evidence shows those arrested have played key roles in planning, promoting and participating in illegal street racing activities,” a statement reads. 

The Minneapolis Police Department, Fridley Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Minnesota State Patrol worked over the past several months to investigate what they call a dangerous and disruptive activity that left people injured, killed, put neighborhood safety in jeopardy, and caused thousands of dollars in property damage.  

Over a three-day period in July, seven people were taken into custody. An eighth person turned himself in on August. 2. A ninth person identified during the investigation is still at large, with officers working to secure their arrest. 

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Those arrested have been identified as:

• Malik Odessa Gillette, 24, First-Degree Criminal Damage
• Desmond Lee Walker Jr., 23, Riot Second-Degree, First-Degree Criminal Damage
• Isaac Abram Hernandez Quezada, 20, Riot Second-Degree
• Brian Yair Solis Arteaga, 19, First-Degree Criminal Damage
• Isac David Romero, 21, First-Degree Criminal Damage
• Codey James Poolo, 18, First-Degree Criminal Damage
• Ayoob Dawood Abdus Salam, 24, Riot Second-Degree
• Elija Marcell Grove-Thomas, 24, Riot Second-Degree

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The Minnesota State Patrol first began street racing enforcement in the summer of 2021 and continued through the fall. Extra enforcement restarted this spring across the Twin Cities, which included State Patrol helicopters and airplanes.

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“Street racing causes a major disturbance to neighborhoods, our roadways and puts innocent lives in danger,” Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said. “Our efforts to combat street racing and the other illegal activities that come along with it are working. We will continue working with our allied agencies while dedicating extra resources to stop this lawless and unacceptable behavior.”