Police officers from Kent, Auburn, Renton and Tukwila worked with the Washington State Patrol to arrest more than 40 people during a recent crackdown on illegal street racing in the cities.

The enforcement emphasis was a result of safety concerns from residents and businesses, according to a July 21 State Patrol media release. The illegal street racing events have led to serious injury collisions, property damage to private businesses, multiple fights, shootings, stabbings and various other criminal activities.

Officers with assistance from King County Sheriff’s Office air support unit located and contacted large groups of individuals street racing and attending street races in multiple cities the night of July 14 throughout the county.

The enforcement emphasis included:

• 40 arrested for unlawful race attendance

• 3 arrested for street racing

• 1 arrested for minor in possession

• 1 arrested for an outstanding warrant

• 1 stolen vehicle recovered

• 1 stolen vehicle fled from officers and was not apprehended

• Multiple traffic infractions and warnings were given to those in attendance at the races

Racers have used the streets in the industrial area of north Kent for decades. Kent Police have tried numerous emphasis patrols over the years but the racing has continued.

The State Patrol and other police agencies said they plan to continue more emphasis patrols this summer. Racers fill up the streets late at night and early in the morning, mainly on Friday and Saturday nights.