JUPITER — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies raided a street takeover in Jupiter on Friday, arresting seven people, including four minors, and citing dozens of spectators, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies had “received information” that the suspects were planning a takeover at the intersection of Jupiter Farms Road and Indiantown Road, Teri Barbera, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, said in a media release.
They surveilled the drivers until they witnessed them take over the intersection, Barbera said. Deputies then intervened, arresting seven suspects, seizing seven vehicles, and giving out over 40 citations.
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Four of the suspects arrested are minors, whose identities will not be released. Two are 16 and two are 17. The names of the adult suspects are: William Penenori, 18; Leo Torres Montillano, 26; and Jeremiah Lherisson, 19.
Penenori, Montillano, Lherisson and one of the 16-year old suspects all face charges of fleeing and eluding law enforcement, according to the release.
The other 16-year old suspect faces charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officers, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and racing on a highway. One of the 17-year old suspects faces charges of criminal mischief over $1,000, as well as fleeing and eluding and racing on a highway, while the other 17-year old suspect faces charges of racing on a highway while blocking traffic.
The raid is part of PBSO’s “Operation Hot Wheels” to combat street racing. Law enforcement agencies across South Florida have cracked down on the activity in recent weeks, charging many of the suspects under a new Florida law that makes street racing, stunt driving, and intersection takeovers criminal misdemeanors.
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