On May 19, 2025, Oklahoma City authorities apprehended over 150 individuals, including 40 minors, at a local business establishment.
The arrests occurred during a crackdown on street takeovers near the intersection of Southeast 66th Street and Interstate 35, where law enforcement targeted suspected illegal racers and their spectators.
The significant number of arrests resulted in congestion at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. More than 24 hours post-arrest, many individuals remained in custody awaiting release, despite having posted bail.
On the night of the incident, a large gathering was taking place at Rocket Wraps, owned by Raul Anaya, to celebrate his birthday.
Devin Keel reported that they were present for a birthday celebration around 7 p.m., while Matthew Lee recounted enjoying a snow cone when law enforcement began arriving in large numbers.Deandre Thompson described the scene as reminiscent of a military operation, stating, “They came with dogs, drones, and helicopters, resembling Navy Seals on a mission.”
Donte Cornelius, who was among those arrested, recounted that law enforcement immediately declared that everyone would be taken into custody.
Sarah Lee expressed her concern as she awaited her sons’ release from the detention center, asserting that they were wrongfully arrested. “My sons had no vehicles there; they weren’t involved in any illegal activities—they were simply attending a birthday party,” she asserted.
Lee’s sons were among the 154 detained for allegedly participating in or observing illicit racing activities.
Oklahoma City Police MSgt Dillon Quirk reported that officers spent approximately 13 to 14 hours at the scene making multiple arrests. Authorities confiscated 60 vehicles, with evidence of burnouts and drifting still visible. Some individuals faced more serious charges as firearms and narcotics were discovered in several vehicles.
Quirk noted, “At nearly all such events, there are offshoot issues—firearms and drugs have been found, both of which occurred at this gathering.”
A woman identified only as Xiomara shared her experience of rushing to Oklahoma after learning about her brother’s arrest. “My family and I were at a gathering in Texas when we received the news. We drove here overnight,” she explained.
Upon arriving at the Oklahoma County Detention Center after an hour-long journey, Xiomara learned that her brother, an undocumented immigrant, may face immigration complications. “They informed us that there is an immigration hold on him, and ICE wishes to speak with him,” she said.
Law enforcement indicated they had received tips regarding the illegal racing event and stated that the owner of the building, which houses various tenants, sought action against the racing activities.
Raul Anaya, who was accused of facilitating the alleged racing event, was released from custody Monday evening. He clarified to News 9 that he had organized a community event designed to engage youth positively, featuring food trucks and snow cones. Anaya lamented that instead of promoting community engagement, law enforcement treated him as a criminal in front of his wife and young children. He also mentioned that several family members who had traveled from California for his birthday celebration were present when police surrounded them with weapons drawn.
Anaya is now seeking legal representation to address these allegations.
