Ursula Reutin: SPD’s new tool has street racers ‘scurrying away like angry ants’
May 14, 2025, 12:28 PM | Updated: 12:34 pm
A photographer captured a Seattle street race with spectators nearby checking out what's happening. (Image courtesy of Teri Lee McClain via KIRO 7)
(Image courtesy of Teri Lee McClain via KIRO 7)
Seattle police broke up several large illegal street racing events during the weekend. Over 100 cars had gathered near 1st Avenue South in downtown Seattle, but SPD had a special trick up their sleeve.
Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, praised the technology, believing it is finally a step in the right direction in the fight against dangerous racing throughout the city.
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“Patrol officers quickly jumped in, using their lights, their sirens, and this specialized loudspeaker,” Ursula said. “It hurts your eardrums, and they basically use that to scare the crowd and racers away.”
After the large group was dispersed, about 10 other cars began parking in a lot near 4th Avenue and Denny Way. Police kept a close watch on the group, following them as they left the city. Some drivers are accused of running red lights as they departed.
SPD blasts racers away with sonic fury
By 1:00 a.m., all racing activity had ceased. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) said the coordinated response helped maintain order and prevented the street racing from escalating.
“Sounds like they were scurrying away like angry ants,” Ursula said. “And I love that idea, because I hate the idea that they think that they can take over an intersection in the middle of a busy city and just start doing street racing.”
Listen to the full conversation below:
Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.
