Teh One Who Knocks
09-23-2011, 03:24 PM
YouTube Video Leads To Identity Of Reckless Driving Suspects
Elaina Rusk - 23ABC Reporter, Anchor
WASCO, Calif. -- Three teens were questions after deputies said they filmed themselves speeding and running stop signs and then posted it on YouTube.
Kern County sheriff's deputies said that on Sept. 19, they received a link from a concerned person regarding reckless driving in Wasco that had been posted on YouTube.
Deputies watched the video called "Wasco Running Stop Signs."
In the video, three teens are seen in a maroon car running stops signs in the city of Wasco at high speed, deputies said.
Deputies recognized the location of video, and were able to follow along the streets until the car pulled into a home, which had a distinct canopy.
After a short investigation, the deputies were able to locate the address and the teens.
When asked if it was a bit "silly" for the teens to have taped themselves and then put it online, the deputy leading the investigation laughed.
"Well, it helped us out a lot," said Deputy Martin Barron of the Sheriff's Wasco Substation. "We were able to track down the street, the house, and the actual person who posted it. And he too was contacted, he was inside the vehicle. So as far to it being silly, eh, well, it helped us in the investigation."
The teens' statements were taken and the case has been submitted to the District Attorney's Office for review. Now the case is being handed over to the Shafter District Attorney's office, where that teen driver will be charged with wreckless driving and two counts of running stop signs. As to what punishment he'll face if convicted, Barron says that's up to the courts.
Barron also said he hopes this will help teach a lesson to teenagers in the area, that even if you aren't pulled over, you can still get caught in the act.
"They'll know not to do this. And other teenagers, or even adults alike, will know not to do these crimes," he said. "Although they may seem to them small, or no big deal, no, it's a concern. Blatant reckless driving on a roadway is a big concern. And well, hopefully they take this as heads up we're on to them."
Elaina Rusk - 23ABC Reporter, Anchor
WASCO, Calif. -- Three teens were questions after deputies said they filmed themselves speeding and running stop signs and then posted it on YouTube.
Kern County sheriff's deputies said that on Sept. 19, they received a link from a concerned person regarding reckless driving in Wasco that had been posted on YouTube.
Deputies watched the video called "Wasco Running Stop Signs."
In the video, three teens are seen in a maroon car running stops signs in the city of Wasco at high speed, deputies said.
Deputies recognized the location of video, and were able to follow along the streets until the car pulled into a home, which had a distinct canopy.
After a short investigation, the deputies were able to locate the address and the teens.
When asked if it was a bit "silly" for the teens to have taped themselves and then put it online, the deputy leading the investigation laughed.
"Well, it helped us out a lot," said Deputy Martin Barron of the Sheriff's Wasco Substation. "We were able to track down the street, the house, and the actual person who posted it. And he too was contacted, he was inside the vehicle. So as far to it being silly, eh, well, it helped us in the investigation."
The teens' statements were taken and the case has been submitted to the District Attorney's Office for review. Now the case is being handed over to the Shafter District Attorney's office, where that teen driver will be charged with wreckless driving and two counts of running stop signs. As to what punishment he'll face if convicted, Barron says that's up to the courts.
Barron also said he hopes this will help teach a lesson to teenagers in the area, that even if you aren't pulled over, you can still get caught in the act.
"They'll know not to do this. And other teenagers, or even adults alike, will know not to do these crimes," he said. "Although they may seem to them small, or no big deal, no, it's a concern. Blatant reckless driving on a roadway is a big concern. And well, hopefully they take this as heads up we're on to them."