VIDEO: Stunt driving in The Junction draws police response

1:07 AM: It’s the kind of call more often heard for Harbor Avenue or West Marginal Way – hundreds of people gathered, drivers doing donuts and burnouts. But instead, a short time ago, that was what police reported finding at 42nd/Alaska in The Junction. Above is our framegrab from the nearest camera as police were arriving (the stunt driving would have been just out of view, west of what the camera shows). The drivers have dispersed – headed northbound on California, officers told dispatch, and “about 30” seen heading eastbound on the bridge – but dozens of spectators “in masks” were reported leaving the scene on foot.

2:01 AM: Someone in a nearby apartment caught some of this on video and sent it to us:

They said, “There was another car doing donuts before the one captured on my video, and definitely disturbances before that. There were well over 50 to 70 people in over a dozen or so cars (though only two or three did donuts, over half of them were deliberately loud when accelerating away). Even before the ‘main show’ there was excessive driving up and down Alaska for maybe a half an hour before that.”

ADDED 3:01 AM: Another reader, also wishing to remain anonymous, sent video that shows the same car but then continues after police arrive, so you can see how those gathered reacted.

66 Replies to "VIDEO: Stunt driving in The Junction draws police response"

  • Kimmi June 2, 2024 (1:11 am)

    Woke up to very loud cars revving and tires screeching. A lot of people walking on foot and police showing up. Pretty unusual for this area.

    • So much for sleep June 2, 2024 (1:18 am)

      Scared the hell out of me, there was one car who parked and blasted music and base maybe 20m before other cars pulled into the lot on 42nd. I’ve never seen this before here!Pretty sure it was a signal, it was super weird in the first place! I can still hear cars around too, engines revving and echoing in the area.

      • WSB June 2, 2024 (1:28 am)

        There was a subsequent report that some had gone over to Fauntleroy/Alaska, and now maybe Roxbury. Tends to be kind of whack-a-mole.

  • BB June 2, 2024 (1:18 am)

    I live on this corner. Absolutely insane! I caught only half of the scanner reporting the racing. Thanks for the incredibly fast updates.

  • Kt June 2, 2024 (5:13 am)

    Reminds me of 1970s high school.

    • BJG June 2, 2024 (9:59 am)

      Doesn’t remind me of 1970! I was there! Loud cars once in awhile, but not this! And no social media to blast the bad behavior then.

    • HS June 2, 2024 (4:08 pm)

      Except it was in the school parking lot. Personally, I’d like to see a return of shaving cream fights.  Anyone else have those?

      • HS June 2, 2024 (6:19 pm)

        This was a thing in the late 80’s, early 90’s where I grew up.

  • Mike June 2, 2024 (6:00 am)

    Call Harrell’s office, call Saka’s office, call Constantine’s office, call Jayapal’s office, call Ferguson’s office, call Inslee’s office.  Make them do their jobs.  Crime is out of control.  Anarchy is not ok.  Summer hasn’t even started yet, this won’t go well if they continue to turn and ignore it.

    • K June 2, 2024 (10:22 am)

      Woah.  Some random guy spending 20 minutes putting unnecessary wear and tear on a so-so vehicle may be loud, but hardly calls for the Governor’s intervention.  Once we get rid of the acres of parking lots that allow people to congregate like that, the problem will solve itself.

      • ws June 3, 2024 (7:29 am)

        They weren’t even in a parking lot, they were in the middle of an  intersection.

    • Mellow Kitty June 2, 2024 (11:17 am)

      @Mike. Contacting the city “leaders'” offices does nothing. I’m thinking of printing out every canned response letter I’ve received to use as emergency toilet paper. That’s all they’re good for. The only language they speak is money. 

  • anonyme June 2, 2024 (6:01 am)

    Human devolution may not be possible biologically, but psychologically and socially – oh, hell yeah.

  • Seattlite June 2, 2024 (6:52 am)

    Lawlessness in action.

  • waikikigirl June 2, 2024 (7:02 am)

    They’re doing this for no other reason than to see themselves on some video site later to see how many “likes” they get, but  they obviously have no disregard for their own life or anyone else’s.  (hanging out back window). The Fire Department should just show up and spray them all  down with water, spectators included!

    • Mariem June 2, 2024 (10:26 am)

      You must be joking. What you suggest is NOT within the mission of the fire department. This is a policing matter. 

    • heartless June 2, 2024 (1:39 pm)

      “They’re doing this for no other reason than to see themselves on some video site later to see how many “likes” they get…”

      I mean, sideshows have been around since at least the 1980s, so…

  • Mike June 2, 2024 (8:21 am)

    If not west sea, these people are doing the same elsewhere. Videos have been posted on seattle reddit of people doing donuts in cap hill, Queen Anne, etc. The police response is always a few cop cars rolling up. The result is the same. Everyone scatters and the same thing occurs next weekend. The police would make better use of their time if they dedicated one weekend with enough units to block off all 4 exits including spike strips. Catch, fine, impound, fix it tickets, whatever they can do. Put fear into this community, make them think twice before doing this. Or else this will go on multiple times per week.The people in this video think they are untouchable because in reality they are. Seattle police aren’t doing anything. 

  • Martha June 2, 2024 (8:32 am)

    This woke me up from Oregon and 42nd. Feel bad for all the folks that had to work today or have children that were woken up by this non sense. 

  • flimflam June 2, 2024 (9:46 am)

    Such a strange way to spend an evening.

    • Wseattleite June 2, 2024 (10:09 am)

      Years and years of society glorifying this exact behavior in movies, games, and shared media.  But agreed, strange use of energy and time.  

    • Orb June 2, 2024 (10:37 am)

      Right? Very caveman-esque. “We see car go round and round.” Seriously, how old are these fools?

      • Rhonda June 2, 2024 (12:52 pm)

        Ages 15 through 22, mostly. 

        • Pete June 2, 2024 (7:11 pm)

          One of the many reasons a legal drinking age of 21 is daft. The kids have nothing to do! Back in the uk we were all out at clubs from age 16 up. Getting drunk, watching shows etc trying to hook up haha I can’t imagine how dull it is being a kid here. 

          • WW Resident June 2, 2024 (9:15 pm)

            Speaking of daft. Thinking letting kids like this legally drink, cause that would end well. Hey let’s go to the club and drink and when the club closes, go do some drunken side show bs

  • Ly June 2, 2024 (10:28 am)

    Long ago some fools did something similar on beach drive AND set off fireworks. I threw eggs at them. lol! 

  • Brynn June 2, 2024 (10:36 am)

    The comments on here are gross. Spray them with a fire hose, seriously? Two wrongs don’t make a right. Y’all should be ashamed. 

    • waikikigirl June 2, 2024 (2:18 pm)

      No, no shame here…One time getting drenched with the hose would deter the crowd, no crowd, no video’s, no video’s no “drifting” cars.  Nothing gross about that. 

      • Neighbor June 2, 2024 (6:18 pm)

        A fire hose is designed to drench structure fires.  It’s not safe to aim them at people.  Slip and fall injuries are serious and life changing.  Will a fire hose quench your thirst for violence?

        • waikikigirl June 2, 2024 (7:57 pm)

          OMG you ALL are taking my firehose comment just a little too serious!       Yes I know it could hurt someone but spraying it up in the air (I guess I needed to spell it out) and getting them soaking wet  would maybe make them THINK twice about watching this stuff again.  Or  maybe I guess in your eyes that getting wet is worse than that kid hanging out of the window in that car or those other people running out into the street to video it drifting

  • Cobra June 2, 2024 (10:56 am)

    Strange people,Strange lives…

  • Rob June 2, 2024 (11:09 am)

    Maybe the city an port could get together an use one of their empty lots around here for these events.  An maybe have viewing area  to watch. It would be fun to see on a legal basis. 

    • Susan June 2, 2024 (3:16 pm)

      Rob,  Yours is a creative response, offering a viable alternative rather than just “Make it stop!” or “No you can’t.”  The Village needs to start thinking in ways to channel young energies because we’re not going to stop it.Having said that, I also realize that at the first whiff of adult sanctioning (providing space and audience viewing… and heaven forbid, even showing up to join the spectacle) the young people will likely thumb their noses and take their fun back to the streets.

    • Herongrrrl June 2, 2024 (4:07 pm)

      What a reasonable response! I totally agree. Rather than passing this off to another neighborhood, provide  a space where it won’t disturb a residential space where people are trying to sleep.

    • uncle loco June 2, 2024 (6:28 pm)

      Not a good idea. Someone would get run over, huge lawsuit for the city etc…

  • John Edwards June 2, 2024 (11:09 am)

    Cops need to sneak up, drop spike strips on all roads surrounding this, then all blast their sirens in unison to scare the perps car onto the spike strips, ruining his tires.    After a couple of these events ending like that, this annoyance would end,

    • sam-c June 2, 2024 (3:37 pm)

      This is such an obnoxious thing to do.  I totally agree that they should install spike strips at the streets exiting these intersections.  And then tow the cars.

  • wetone June 2, 2024 (11:24 am)

    I’m sure city of Seattle and SDOT have a plan for stopping this activity as they have/are implementing thru out area. Just add more speed bumps, signage saying it’s illegal and spending $$$$ and resources redesigning roadways……… should take care of it…..seems to be working just fine elsewhere haha;)

  • 1994 June 2, 2024 (11:36 am)

    Someone could get creative and find a way to earn money off this type of excitement. Find a late at night large empty parking lot, arrange some sort of event entry fee, say $5 to $10, and hold your exciting spinning event away from city streets.  What about Pacific Raceways in Kent….maybe someone could look into organizing a spinning event there.

    • Grilled Cheese June 2, 2024 (5:38 pm)

      You then would be liable if of someone got hurt or died. How do get around that.

    • J June 3, 2024 (5:19 am)

      It’s called a side-show. Started in the Bay Area in the late 1970’s early 80’s when they shut down the racetrack in Oakland. People started taking it to the streets. Was only a matter of time before it became big in Seattle / Tacoma with all the Bay Area transplants we have here (And vice-versa). Now it’s a full blown spectacle sport. Kids having fun with mostly V8 powered American cars. It’s not gonna stop it only gets bigger. Only logical option is to find somewhere it can be practiced safely away from residential neighborhoods imo. 

  • DB40 June 2, 2024 (11:38 am)

    I never did anything like this when I was a teenager growing up in the 60’s. (yeah, right!)

  • OneTimeCharley June 2, 2024 (11:42 am)

    I believe I read that there is a new state law that goes into effect July 1st that is supposed to give jurisdictions increased impound capabilities. If something new is indeed on the horizon to combat this, I sure do hope it is immediately successful. I am sick of all varieties of scofflaws harshing the vibe constantly with their infantile behavior. Complete losers.

  • Wes T. Attle June 2, 2024 (11:57 am)

    I slept through the whole darned thing!

    • sam-c June 2, 2024 (3:38 pm)

      I’ll have what he’s having! (or do you have a really loud white noise machine? What’s your secret?)

      • Wes T. Attle June 2, 2024 (11:30 pm)

        LMAO Sam-c!  I actually have 2 industrial strength fans and a dehumidifier going on 24/7 because a neighbor drilled into a water pipe in my building last Thursday night!

    • ws June 2, 2024 (3:40 pm)

      I almost did and my window was even open, but my kid woke me up and said “something’s going on outside and it’s not the normal cop stuff” lol. But that looks so dangerous, I hope they all make it though the summer…

  • Big O June 2, 2024 (12:54 pm)

    Clearly we need a tougher and more strategic response this kind of antisocial behavior. These people should FEAR going out at night and doing this sort of thing in our city, instead of casually walking back to their cars when they hear police. Total lack of respect for law and society + social media fuel narcissism

    • K June 2, 2024 (2:11 pm)

      Not to split hairs, but a gathering of 50-70 people is the opposite of antisocial.

      • Owen H June 2, 2024 (5:34 pm)

        Antisocial (adjective):  “Hostile to or disruptive of the established social order; marked by or engaging in behavior that violates accepted mores”

  • Testosterone poisoning June 2, 2024 (1:22 pm)

    Nice bald tires just in time for an atmospheric river.  Do they know how much tires cost?  (“Mom…!”)

  • WSN June 2, 2024 (2:28 pm)

    I thought this was happening in the Safeway/Jefferson Square lot as I woke up to the loud engines as well as my very angry dog pissed by the noise. Usually the doughnuts have been occurring at the end of that lot and if you shout at the perps to knock it off it just keeps them going. I didn’t bother getting up to see that it occurred right outside my window. So unnecessary to disturb the peace of many people. Without looking out I knew the SPD response did nothing but break up the event. If they can fine and punish that Belltown Hellcat driver, why can’t they do the same with these idiots?! Strip these idiots of their cars and licenses. 

  • Whisky Woods June 2, 2024 (2:34 pm)

    This behavior is driven by social media and the content creator is paid money, posting it on the news only brings in more views and money. 

  • bill June 2, 2024 (2:37 pm)

    Here’s hoping the police are trawling the internet for uploaded videos of this incident so the drivers can be identified and charged, as is happening with the Belltown Hellcat. And Rob’s idea of a sanctioned place to let loose like this is good, although I wonder if it would be successful. A lot of the appeal is probably the lawless aspect and upsetting people just trying to live peacefully.

  • alki_2008 June 2, 2024 (4:00 pm)

    Reminds me of Alki Ave, usually in front of the Blue Moon Burgers area, every Friday and Saturday night…starting around 1-2am.  But some neighbors here think that speed cameras are going to solve the problem.  NOT!  What will stop cars from racing and doing stunts is speed bumps across the roadway.  But no, my neighbors want 24/7 speed cameras instead. SMH!

  • Eldorado June 2, 2024 (5:07 pm)

    Hopefully the Red Light Camera grabbed a few photos of faces and a few license plates. 

    • WSB June 2, 2024 (5:23 pm)

      There’s no red-light camera at that intersection. The only two in West Seattle are the ones installed many years ago – 35th/Avalon and 35th/Thistle.

  • EL Markey June 2, 2024 (5:52 pm)

    Last time I checked a reckless driving ticket was pretty spendy. If this doesn’t constitute reckless driving I don’t know what does! I’m with the ticket ’em & impound ’em crowd.

  • Teej June 2, 2024 (6:47 pm)

    I do wonder if any of those cars or drivers were involved in the fatal accident on I-5 near the West Seattle bridge a few hours later (reported in the Seattle Times). That takes it from stupid to tragic. 

    • WSB June 3, 2024 (12:04 am)

      The State Patrol media memo from the crash lists three of the four drivers. The one arrested is a 33-year-old man from Arizona. The other two are a 53-year-old Puyallup man and an 81-year-old Everett man.

  • Patrick June 2, 2024 (10:58 pm)

    Quite possibly the stupidest thing I’ve seen so far this year.

  • Scott collins June 2, 2024 (11:13 pm)

    Punks

  • Rob June 3, 2024 (11:43 am)

    All one has to do just watch TV commercials on all the new cars coming out. It’s all about speed 

  • Blou June 3, 2024 (2:35 pm)

    Not certain if anyone has seen the sports cars and their owners under the Spokane bridge.  They gather every other weekend or so.  I see them when I travel towards Admiral Way uphill, and they are all hanging out around 11pm.  The last time I saw them, some of them went racing south on Delridge, being unsafe as they were trying to get ahead of any other traffic.  Won’t do any good to contact anyone who is on the council, county council, mayor or governor since they are so engrossed in finding other ways to get money from residents to cover their mismanagement.  I feel for law enforcement, their hands are still tied.  They do their best with what they have.  Recklessness will get people seriously hurt.  It’s all fun and games until…  

  • WS98 June 7, 2024 (9:21 am)

    Per the widely known Hellcat issue (and he did show up to this’event’) SPD wants people to call 911 and capture video evidence (if you can do it safely) of cars, license plates, drivers, etc.

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