AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELEASE
DATE: August 2&3, 2024
INCIDENT TYPE: Amarillo Police Department Conducts Traffic Safety Enforcement Operation
OFFICER SUBMITTING RELEASE: Martin Birkenfeld-Chief of Police; Sgt. Trent Thomas-Motors; Sgt. Carla Burr-PIO
DETAILS: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
The Amarillo Police Department (APD) in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), conducted a traffic safety operation on Friday, August 2nd, and Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. The operation focused on curbing illegal street racing and enforcing DWI laws within the city. The operation was initiated in response to increasing concerns about vehicles and motorcycles racing at high speeds on city streets. These drivers pose significant risks of traffic crashes and fatalities. In addition to targeting street racing, the operation also concentrated on identifying and apprehending impaired drivers. On the evening of August 2nd, APD officers and DPS troopers assembled using marked and unmarked police vehicles as well as aerial surveillance. Officers looked for vehicles potentially involved in street racing or impaired driving.
The combined efforts of these law enforcement officers were concentrated in the southwest portion of Amarillo, particularly the area south of I-40 between I-27 and the new loop. Within the first few hours, dozens of traffic stops were conducted, resulting in a noticeable decrease in racing activities. The operation continued the night of August 3rd, 2023
The operation resulted in:
- 245 total traffic stops
- 53 speeding citations
- 101 other citations
- 9 seatbelt citations
- 1 reckless driving arrest
- 2 DUI arrests
- 4 drug arrests
- 3 warrants served
The Amarillo Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies will continue the fight to reduce traffic crashes and the senseless deaths that occur from speeding or racing, not wearing seatbelts, and impaired driving.
Additional combined enforcement operations are planned in the coming weeks and months to address these critical safety issues.
For more information, please contact the Amarillo Police Department's Public Information Office.
