What looked like a late-night joyride on Highway 101 ended with two BMWs on tow trucks and their drivers in handcuffs, after California Highway Patrol officers said the pair were caught racing at more than 100 miles per hour through Cotati early Monday. A friend in a lowered pickup was allegedly rolling video as the sedans took off, according to CHP.
CHP units quickly closed in on the northbound U.S. 101 pack, stopped both BMWs and arrested the drivers on suspicion of participating in a speed contest and reckless driving. Both cars were impounded for 30 days. Investigators have not released the drivers' names or any booking details.
What CHP said
In a post quoted by CBS News, the CHP Santa Rosa office said a midnight-patrol officer first spotted two BMW sedans and a lowered pickup slow down, then watched as the sedans suddenly accelerated and appeared to race.
"This type of behavior demonstrates a clear disregard for every other person traveling on our roadways," Capt. Andre Sirenko said, adding that the agency intends to hold anyone found participating in this kind of driving accountable. According to the post, multiple CHP units moved in, caught up to the BMWs and pulled them over.
How the stop unfolded
A preliminary investigation found the two drivers know each other and that the alleged race was being filmed from the pickup, according to SFGATE. Officers determined both sedans were traveling at more than 100 mph when they were stopped. Both drivers were arrested on suspicion of engaging in a speed contest and reckless driving, and both vehicles were impounded.
State crackdown on extreme speeding
The Cotati arrests land as state officials try to tighten the screws on extreme speeders. The California State Transportation Agency recently rolled out a pilot program to fast-track cases and administrative reviews for drivers cited at over 100 mph. CalSTA said the effort is aimed at getting the most dangerous drivers off highways more quickly by pairing CHP citations with DMV review.
Legal consequences
Under California law, taking part in a speed contest is a crime that can bring jail time, fines, community service and a suspended license. Officers are also allowed to impound vehicles used in such contests for up to 30 days. Vehicle Code §23109 outlines penalties and potential enhancements if someone is injured or if a driver has prior convictions. In the Cotati case, CHP says both BMWs were impounded for 30 days as part of the enforcement action.
The investigation is still underway, and CHP has not publicly identified the drivers. Authorities are asking anyone who has video or other information about the incident to contact the Santa Rosa CHP office.
