DeKalb County police charged a 19-year-old after a street racing takeover blocked Chamblee Tucker Road on Monday, Aug. 3, with a resident reporting gunfire during the event. The corridor, patrolled by DKPD's North Central Precinct based in Dunwoody, borders neighborhoods familiar to Dunwoody and Brookhaven residents.

Jacob Moterde was charged with promoting or organizing drag racing, a high and aggravated misdemeanor under Georgia law that carries up to $5,000 in fines and 12 months in jail. Police shut down the takeover near the intersection of Barkside Court around 5 p.m. after dozens of spectators gathered to watch drivers perform doughnuts and other stunts, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

Brian Allen, a resident who lives along the corridor, told Fox 5 he had to drive over a median to reach his own driveway because participants had blocked neighborhood access.

"Those bullets are coming down someplace in the neighborhood. Somebody can get hurt by those," Allen said, describing gunfire he witnessed during the takeover.

No additional suspects have been identified publicly.

Police have not confirmed injuries or property damage from the reported gunfire.

Allen and other residents are asking DeKalb County to install tag readers and cameras at the intersection of Emory Circle and Chamblee Tucker Road to deter future takeovers. Several neighbors told Fox 5 they have experienced similar disruptions for months but declined to speak on camera, citing fears of retaliation.

The corridor is not new to this problem. On Feb. 1, DeKalb County police cited two people in connection with a stunt-driving incident at the same Chamblee Tucker Road and Emory Circle intersection, according to 11Alive.

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-43.1, which took effect in May 2021, even spectators who actively facilitate an illegal drag race can face misdemeanor charges carrying fines up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail.

DeKalb County officials have not responded publicly to the residents' request for surveillance cameras. No county commission hearing or community meeting on the issue has been announced.

Residents with information about street racing activity can text "DKPD" to 847411, followed by their tip. The DeKalb County Police Department can also be reached at (404) 294-2911.