Official Demands 'Stupid' Car Rallies Stop After Driver Sentenced For Injuring Spectator

LANDOVER, MD — A 1p-year-old Millersville man has been convicted in the hit-and-run of a woman who was struck by his vehicle during an illegal car rally in September 2025.

The illegal vehicle takeover happened Sept. 14, 2025, around 1:45 a.m. in a shopping center parking lot located in the 8500 block of Landover Road. Prince George's County police investigators learned that during this illegal takeover, while doing circles in his car, Naef Salmo hit a spectator and then took off. The victim was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. She was later released, police reported.

Detectives identified and tracked down both the involved vehicle and Salmo. The investigation revealed after the hit-and-run, Salmo sprayed painted his vehicle a different color to conceal evidence and slow down detectives. Investigators also recovered a handgun from under the hood of the car, according to the police department.

Prince George's County State's Attorney Tara Jackson announced Tuesday that 19-year-old Naef Salmo has been convicted of one count of driver failure to remain at the scene of an accident where the driver should have known serious bodily injury occurred and serious bodily injury did occur.

Salmo has been sentenced to five years, suspending all but 6.5 months. He has served 6.5 months in jail and was placed on three years of supervised probation. Salmo has must pay restitution to the victim and complete community service.

"I am really concerned about the reckless driving that we are seeing throughout the county. And because the weather is breaking, I am unfortunately anticipating that we are going to see more speeding, more driving under the influence," Jackson said in a public address. "And then there are the car meetups involving burnouts, street racing and other dangerous stunts. It's not harmless fun. It's not cool. It's not lit, fire, sick or dope. It's stupid and self-centered.

"Every time someone races, speeds, spins out or performs stunts, they are putting their lives at risk and the lives of others. In Prince George's County, I have seen the devastating consequences of this reckless behavior. I've had to sit with mothers and fathers who have lost their children because of reckless driving on the road. Too many victims are left to suffer because someone made the foolish choice to drive dangerously and without regard for themselves or others," Jackson added.

Last year, 23 people lost their lives as the result of dangerous driving behaviors, Jackson said. She then referenced Salmo's actions, fleeing the scene after injuring a bystander.

"He did not intend to hurt her, but he was doing tricks with his car in a crowded parking lot where she was there to watch ... Reckless driving is not entertainment. It is dangerous. It is illegal and it can have lifelong consequences. If you participate in these events, stop before someone gets hurt. If you know someone who participates, encourage them to stop before someone dies. If you like to go and watch, stop before you get hurt. And if you encourage this silly behavior by liking social media post, please stop. Lastly, if you see these gatherings taking place or know that one will be taking place, please report them to law enforcement. Your call could save a life," Jackson said.