Galle presents ordinance to council that makes attending street races punishable

Spectators of illegal street races in Sumner may soon be making the choice between staying away from known race locations and risking a penalty for attending.

At an April 13 study session, Sumner Police Chief John Galle presented to council an ordinance making the attendance of street races in specific areas punishable.

Galle said when officers can, they cite drivers participating in illegal street races, but a more effective way may be to address the problem of audiences which gather at the race sites.

If passed, the ordinance would add a new chapter titled “Unlawful Race Attendance” to the Sumner Municipal Code.

Under the revised code anyone who watches a race at a city location recognized as an unlawful racing location or participates would be issued an order to stay away from the area.

The model for recognizing the racing area and prosecuting for misdemeanor is called “Stay Out of Areas of Racing” (SOAR).

The city has identified certain areas of Sumner as “No Racing Zones.” These areas are 142nd Avenue East from Tacoma Avenue North to 24th Street East, 24th Street East from 136th Avenue East to 142n Avenue East, Fryar Avenue from Main Street to Puyallup Street, and 140th Avenue from 16th Street to 24th Street.

A SOAR order prohibits people from participating in a race and prohibits people from watching the race in a no-racing zone.

The police could also issue a SOAR order to people allegedly racing, or demonstrating reckless driving associated with race activity.

If someone is issued a SOAR order it is under the condition of pre-trial release, sentencing, or a deferred sentence. A violation of the order would be punishable by a fine up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to one year, or both.

The ordinance was scheduled for discussion at Monday’s council meeting.

Reach Chaz Holmes at 360-802-8208 or at cholmes@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald.