Suffolk County police arrested four Connecticut men and impounded a truck, trailer, and race car after officers broke up an alleged illegal drag-racing gathering early Sunday in Yaphank, New York.

Police said a 911 caller reported a large group of vehicles on Express Drive North, west of Sills Road, at approximately 1:10 a.m. Members of the department’s Street Takeover Task Force responded and allegedly observed vehicles racing before the gathering began to disperse.

Police footage shows racing activity

Video released by the department reportedly shows participants positioning cars, producing tire smoke, and accelerating along the service road. The footage also appears to show backfires and two Honda Civic hatchbacks performing burnouts. One vehicle sends flames through a turbo outlet routed through its hood.

The vehicles involved in those maneuvers had left the area before officers arrived. Police later stopped a truck towing a trailer that carried what the department described as a “race car.” The stop led to the arrests of four men.

Charges filed against four men

Christian Vargas Hernandez, 28, faces charges of reckless driving, third-degree unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle, and unlawful speed contests, sideshows, and races.

John Maldonado, 33, Lawrence Torres, 30, and Efrain Rivera, 35, were each charged with unlawful speed contests, sideshows, and races. All four men are from Meriden, Connecticut.

The Suffolk County law covering takeovers defines participation broadly. It includes organizing or promoting an event, serving as a starter, positioning a vehicle, directing people, or riding in a vehicle to help facilitate the gathering. Knowingly watching from within 200 feet is also prohibited under a separate provision.

Police did not specify what actions they believe Maldonado, Torres, and Rivera took beyond charging them under the takeover-related law.

All four men received appearance tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned later. The truck, trailer, and race car remain impounded.