Fire Started On Tampa Street During ‘Intersection Takeover’: Watch

TAMPA, FL — A group started a fire on a Tampa street and two drivers were arrested during an “intersection takeover” early Saturday morning, authorities said. (Watch a video of the incident recorded by a Tampa Police Department helicopter below.)

Police responding to a group of vehicles blocking the intersection of W. Kennedy Boulevard and N. MacDill Avenue found a group of people lighting fire in the intersection.

At the same time, a green Ford Mustang was driving recklessly, doing donuts and impeding traffic in the blocked intersection, according to a Tampa police news release.

When patrol officers tried to pull the Mustang over, the driver drove away northbound.

The officers didn’t chase after the car, which was monitored by a Tampa police helicopter as real-time updates were provided to those on the ground.

The Mustang eventually came to a stop at the 7-Eleven at 4320 N. MacDill Ave., where both the driver and passenger were taken into custody, police said.

Anwar Yasser Awdi, 24, was charged with unlawful racing on a highway and fleeing to elude an officer, while Jawad Yasser Awdi, was charged with unlawful racing on a highway.

Detectives are working to identify others involved.

"The reckless behavior of those involved in this type of activity is completely unacceptable," Chief Lee Bercaw said. "This type of street takeover not only puts participants at risk but also creates a dangerous situation for innocent motorists and pedestrians in our community. It should be clear that those who choose to engage in such reckless driving will be arrested, and their vehicles will be impounded."

Watch a video of the incident filmed by the Tampa police helicopter: