Yaphank street takeover leads to charges for four Connecticut men

Four men from Meriden, Connecticut, were charged following a large-scale street takeover in Yaphank, Long Island, early Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred on Express Drive North, involved approximately 50 vehicles and more than 100 spectators.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department, the gathering was reported via a 911 call at approximately 1:10 a.m. While many participants dispersed upon the arrival of officers, police intercepted a truck towing a trailer that contained a race car. The driver of the truck was attempting to flee the scene.

The individuals charged include Christian Vargas Hernandez, 28; John Maldonado, 33; Lawrence Torres, 30; and Efrain Rivera, 35. All four face charges related to unlawful speed contests, sideshows, and races. Hernandez faces additional charges of reckless driving and unlawfully using a motor vehicle to flee a police officer. The truck, trailer, and race car were impounded, and the men are scheduled for future court appearances.