Illegal Street Races On I-70 Broken Up By Police, Pasadena Man Charged

PASADENA, MD — Dozens of cars stopped on Interstate 70 in Baltimore County early Saturday for illegal street races blocked traffic, say authorities, and a Pasadena man was arrested for taking part in the gathering. Maryland State Police arrested Keith Parker, 42, on numerous charges after a resident in the Woodlawn area reported illegal street racing behind their home.

When the trooper arrived on scene, there were dozens of high performance vehicles blocking traffic and setting up for street races in the area of westbound I-70 near the Park and Ride in Baltimore County. Several vehicles were parked on the shoulders of the roadway and in the parking lot, blocking traffic flow, police said. When the trooper activated his emergency equipment and ordered the many spectators and participants to leave the area, they returned to their vehicles and left the neighborhood.

Officials said when the trooper returned to the Park and Ride site for a check about 3 a.m., dozens of the high performance vehicles were preparing for a race as a participant prepared the highway with a solution he was pouring onto the road.

Dozens of participants were using cell phones to take pictures and record video. Several participants held flashlights, and directed the flow of traffic through the race starting position. As a result of the large crowds, vehicles and numerous pedestrians on the highway, several unaware drivers were stuck in the subsequent traffic jam.

The crowd began to scatter and flee to their vehicles as the trooper approached the starting line. Parker, who was reportedly at the start line directing traffic, yelled to others in the area to run. Police say the trooper caught up to Parker as he attempted to get into his 2013 Dodge Charger with dealer registration plates.

Parker was charged with disturbing the peace, attempting to elude police on foot, disobeying a lawful order from a uniformed police officer, hindering a law enforcement officer in the performance of his lawful duties, participating in a speed race competition, stopping a vehicle where prohibited and unauthorized use of a Class 1A dealer registration.

»Photo of Keith Parker, courtesy of Maryland State Police