MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle, along with leaders from 23 law enforcement agencies, held a press conference Thursday to address the upcoming major car show in the community, which attracts car enthusiasts from across the nation.
With the event fast approaching, Sheriff Doolittle announced the formation of a specialized multi-agency task force aimed at preventing criminal behavior by participants and spectators not affiliated with the official car show organizers.
“While the majority of attendees are law-abiding, we have seen a disturbing trend of individuals who engage in dangerous, illegal activities during ‘after parties’ related to the show,” Sheriff Doolittle stated. These activities include street and parking lot takeovers, reckless driving, and other criminal behavior that can result in property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
In an effort to curb dangerous conduct, the sheriff’s office has implemented a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any illegal actions or activities that may compromise public safety. The sheriff’s office, in partnership with surrounding law enforcement agencies, will be out in full force for the entire duration of the event.
Sheriff Doolittle emphasized that the primary goal of the task force is to maintain the safety and well-being of Montgomery County residents while ensuring that attendees can enjoy the event responsibly.
Sheriff Doolittle also expressed pride in the collaboration among local agencies, highlighting the shared commitment to preserving the peaceful nature of Montgomery County. “We will protect our community and our way of life without compromise,” he concluded.
With these precautions in place, officials urge everyone attending the event to remain mindful of the rules and respect public safety.
Officials acknowledged concerns with street and parking lot takeovers during previous events. According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, during the weekend of the 2024 Lone Star Throwdown, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch received over 180 calls for service related to vehicle disturbances, attempts to locate vehicles, and suspicious vehicles.
More than 30 calls came in related to parking lot takeovers at multiple grocery stores in Willis and Shenandoah. One of the parking lot takeover incidents was reported to involve 75-100 trucks and 150-200 people. Throughout the weekend, dozens of arrests were made for reckless driving, racing, evading, and driving while intoxicated.