Illegal intersection takeover in DeKalb County concerns residents

Drivers illegally take over intersection

Drivers turned Briarcliff Road into an illegal racetrack overnight in DeKalb County, tying up traffic and creating dangerous conditions on the wet roads.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Drivers turned Briarcliff Road into an illegal racetrack overnight in DeKalb County, tying up traffic and creating dangerous conditions on the wet roads.

What we know:

A FOX 5 Atlanta employee captured the activity as vehicles performed stunts and raced through the area despite rainy weather, which made the roads slick and heightened the risk for accidents.

The overnight stunt driving caused delays and raised safety concerns for both participants and nearby motorists. It is not known if police responded to the incident.

Drivers take over intersection in North Druid Hills

Drivers took over the intersection of Briarcliff and Lavista roads in DeKalb County overnight. FOX 5 Atlanta cameras caught them in the act.

What they're saying:

"I call it LaVista Motor Speedway," said homeowner Anne Parke. "There’s always people racing up and down this street. It has woken me up sometimes. There’ve been races and some sort of contest going on."

Leon Harris, another nearby resident, said the problem began more than a year ago and has become routine.

"A year-and-a-half, two years ago, they started drag racing," he said. "People screeching tires, doing donuts in the middle of the intersection. There’ve almost been two or three accidents going that way on LaVista."

Neighbors say the activity not only disrupts their sleep but also poses serious safety risks.

The other side:

FOX 5 has reached out to DeKalb County police for comment. As of Monday, the station had not received a response.

The backstory:

However, it is not the first time that drivers have taken over this particular intersection. They also blocked it in late March.

DeKalb County police recently cited more than 100 people and arrested at least one person during an illegal street racing operation at Wade Walker Park.

Multiple arrests were also made in DeKalb County in late March.

DeKalb County Crime and Public Safety News