Two Boys Caught Street Racing in DeLand, Florida

DELAND, Fla. — Authorities in Central Florida apprehended two boys, aged 12 and 17, after they were seen engaging in reckless street racing. The incident, which occurred on a Tuesday evening, was captured on body camera footage from a responding deputy.

Incident Overview

During the encounter, the deputy questioned the younger suspect, who was driving a Nissan. When asked about his age, the 12-year-old replied, “Twelve,” prompting disbelief from the deputy, who noted the seriousness of the situation given the boy’s young age.

Details of the Racing

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the two boys were racing in the city of DeLand. The 12-year-old driver was reportedly racing against a 17-year-old who was behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla. The deputy remarked on the severity of the situation, emphasizing that the older boy was only a few months shy of turning 18.

A Deputy’s Warning

During the stop, the deputy cautioned the older boy about the repercussions he could face if he were of legal age. “You would be going to jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor… You’re two months away from these dumb-[expletive] decisions landing you in jail,” said the deputy. He also mentioned that the boy’s father was present, pleading for leniency due to his son’s college aspirations.

Consequences for the Young Drivers

Both boys received criminal citations after they were observed speeding past the deputy. The deputy recounted witnessing the spectacle, where the boys were racing side-by-side towards him. Accompanying the younger driver were two passengers, both aged 16, who also faced charges for knowingly participating in the race.

Community Concerns

Residents expressed alarm over the reckless driving behavior in the area. Local resident Yartiza Mercado voiced concern about frequent crashes, noting the dangers posed by nearby ditches. “It’s terrible in this area… a lot of people end up in those ditches,” she stated.

Previous Incidents

The deputy informed one of the parents that there had been prior accidents in the area linked to reckless driving. He highlighted a recent incident where someone ran a stop sign while racing, further indicating the need for community awareness regarding road safety.

Next Steps

Both drivers are scheduled to appear in court as the legal process unfolds. The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers and legal repercussions associated with street racing, especially involving minors.