High-Speed Race On Beltway Leads To Arrest By Alexandria Police

ALEXANDRIA, VA — One person was arrested and charged after a high-speed vehicle race on the Capital Beltway on Saturday, according to Alexandria Police.

Around 11:15 p.m., Sgt. Ryan Waple, an Alexandria Police supervisor, noticed vehicles with loud exhaust systems accelerating and slowing down on the Capital Beltway. Virginia State Police sent out an alert about vehicles racing in the area of the Beltway and Telegraph Road, leading Waple to arrive and see three to four vehicles positioning themselves to race.

Drivers of two vehicles then revved their engines and accelerated, with vehicles reaching speeds of 105 mph. Waple followed with regard for safety due to the high speeds, activated his emergency equipment and ultimately stopped one of the drivers.

The driver of a Mustang GT, Edgar Lovos Granados was charged with racing and reckless driving by speed. Mustang GT was impounded by the police department.

"This type of behavior is dangerous to anyone these drivers are sharing the road with and will not be tolerated," said Police Chief Michael Brown in a statement. "We want to commend Sergeant Waple for his effort to stop this reckless behavior."

The police department acknowledged resident concerns about loud noise associated with altered vehicle exhaust systems. Under Virginia legislation adopted in late 2020, police cannot stop a vehicle for operating without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual noise levels, among other some offenses. The legislation was amended by the governor's recommendation to specify that police may stop a vehicle if it does not appropriately display brake lights or headlights.