Huge number of illegal street car racers ticketed over the weekend

More than 100 drivers were ticketed over the weekend for taking part in an illegal street race, according to authorities. 

The citations were given by a handful of agencies working together in Mendota Heights Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Police were alerted to the organized race because of complaints made by residents in the area.   

Libby Waters lives nearby and walks her dog along the walkway of Mendota Heights Road by Saint Thomas Academy

"This is about safety, the people, the pedestrians," she said. "With street racing, you don't know what will happen."

The bust happened just after midnight as the vehicles were lined up.

"Where it originated, we don't know," said Cpt. Wayne Wegener, with the Mendota Heights Police Department. "But by the time they got to Mendota Heights, we were looking at 400 to 600 vehicles." 

Earlier, a long line of cars whizzed from highway to highway at high rates of speed.  

Wegener said the gathering is not only against state law but defies the governor's 'stay at home' order during the ongoing public health emergency

"It shows seemingly poor judgment of the individuals to not only endanger themselves but others with street racing," he said.

More than 100 drivers were ticketed for unlawful assembly, which is a misdemeanor.

Authorities also ran license plates and checked drivers for warrants, valid licenses and insurance.