Gwinnett County has put the brakes on an alleged street racing organizer after local authorities arrested a 19-year-old man they say was in charge of setting up illicit street racing gatherings. Mathew Dylan McCullock of Buford was arrested on January 11 and is facing serious charges for his role in the high-speed escapades.
Investigators tagged McCullock as a key figure behind at least two illegal racing events over the past year. A December faceoff is said to have attracted a jaw-dropping 500 cars, turning a Buford strip mall parking lot into a makeshift racetrack. Information from an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report shards that the meetup was allegedly organized via Instagram account 'Project 85,' with posts teasing 'clean whips and good vibes' on December 23. However, the event also featured stunt driving, which triggered police intervention.
The Gwinnett County Police Department laid charges against McCullock, including one count of organizing illegal street racing or a reckless driving exhibition and another for being a spectator or participant. The department pointed to a March event at Old Norcross Road and Breckinridge Boulevard, which McCullock also allegedly took part in, as part of the pattern of dangerous driving displays. These charges follow recent tough stances the county has taken to curb the fast-growing and risky hobby, as described by Atlanta News First.
During a police search at McCullock's residence, cops found his modified Kia Forte complete with a 'P85' branding. Upon McCullock's arrival, garbed in a Project 85 hoodie, he gave elusive responses to police inquiries, eventually admitting to creating a Project 85 LLC and selling related merch. Despite his claims of Project 85 being a group effort without named partners, evidence from body-worn camera footage reviewed by detectives showed McCullock admitting to being the man behind the account.
Following the trail of digital breadcrumbs and physical evidence, McCullock's role as a facilitator of these perilous events became increasingly clear. After his arrest, McCullock was booked into the Gwinnett jail, pending legal proceedings with the weight of his alleged actions bearing down on him.
