A street racer has been arrested after a meetup that he allegedly organized caused more than $100,000 in damage to a Nashville street.
“A known street racer has been charged with felony vandalism after allegedly facilitating an unsanctioned meetup earlier this year on Airpark Center Drive East that caused more than $100,000 in damages,” the city of Nashville said in a press release. “Austin Scott, 25, of Murfreesboro was arrested by [Tennessee Highway Patrol] in Rutherford County on the outstanding warrant after being identified as a suspected lead organizer for Night Riderz.”
Scott (pictured above), who in August was charged with rioting, inciting a riot and reckless driving, was booked into the Metro Jail last Thursday and released on $35,000 bond on Saturday.
“The MNPD Traffic Division is committed to continuing its investigations into street racer groups that are causing damage and harm through their dangerous driving,” the release said.
Several recent documented instances of such behavior in Nashville, including over the weekend.
As reported by The Tennessee Star, four men were arrested after an early-morning “street racing takeover” near the Nashville airport.
“Four men were arrested, according to police. They include alleged driver, Xavier Daimwood, 19, was charged with inciting a riot, evading arrest, and multiple driving offenses; alleged shooter, Lakota Young, 20, was charged with illegal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, and rioting,” The Star reported. “Alleged passengers, Justin Oakes, 18, and Gharri Brown, 19, were both charged with rioting.”
Like Scott, Brown also had recent run-ins with the law.
He was charged with drug possession after a traffic stop in March, driving on a suspended license, driving without insurance, issues with his vehicle’s registration, and intending to manufacture, distribute, or sell drugs in June.
The former arrest resulted in a $6,000 bond, and the latter only $2,500.
Over the weekend, a video showing men driving erratically and blocking a freeway in Memphis went viral.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSOHS) Monday announced the “Tennessee Interstate Challenge,” meant to encourage Tennesseeans to drive safely during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“The Thanksgiving holiday is the busiest travel time of the year,” said a TDSOHS release. “That is why the THP is increasing patrols during the Thanksgiving holiday by placing troopers every 10-20 miles on all Tennessee interstates and issuing the friendly Tennessee Interstate Challenge to every sheriff and chief of police. This unique and effective traffic enforcement initiative effects [sic] the entire state of Tennessee.”
“This week many people are traveling across Tennessee to celebrate and give thanks with their loved ones,” said TDSOHS Commissioner Jeff Long. “With the Tennessee Interstate Challenge, we are working to prevent crashes and help everyone get home safely.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter/X.
