Two mothers in Florida were arrested on Friday for allegedly street racing at over 90 mph with their children in their cars, police reported.
The Ocala Police Department issued a statement on Monday announcing that 22-year-old Jamirria Blunt and 22-year-old Kiara Johnson were apprehended and charged with highway racing and child neglect. Both were booked into Marion County Jail.
Officer D. Barry observed a Cadillac sedan and a Toyota sedan racing on the 3100 block of SW College Road at around 1:50 a.m. on July 5. Using radar, he recorded the vehicles traveling at 93 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Barry pursued the vehicles and managed to pull over the Cadillac, driven by Blunt, on the 3800 block of SW College Road. Blunt had a 15-year-old passenger in the front seat.
The Toyota, driven by Johnson, also pulled over with another officer arriving to assist. Johnson had an 8-month-old baby in a rear-facing child seat in her car.
“Racing presents serious dangers, including increased risks of severe accidents and death. We have zero tolerance for highway racing and will do everything we can to ensure that our roads are safe,” the police stated.
Both Blunt and Johnson were released from jail on $1,000 bonds each.
The arrests underscore the extreme risks associated with street racing, particularly when children are involved. The Ocala Police Department’s swift action reflects their commitment to maintaining safety on the roads. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of such reckless behavior.