KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

‘It’s time to lose the car’: Jake and Spike argue police should impound street racers’ vehicles

Apr 25, 2025, 5:01 AM | Updated: 3:48 pm

Image: A photographer captured a Seattle street race with spectators nearby checking out what's hap...

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)

Over the weekend, illegal street racing events attracted hundreds of drivers and spectators to multiple locations throughout Seattle. In response, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) partnered with regional law enforcement agencies to break up the gatherings and ensure public safety at night.

Spike O’Neill, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, said the solution is simple: street racers should have their cars permanently impounded.

“You see these horrible videos of accidents happening and people getting injured,” Spike said. “Taking over intersections and flaunting their criminality. It’s time to lose the car. Maybe not the first offense, but the second time, lose the car.”

Co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Jake Skorheim, agreed that repeat offenders should have their vehicle taken, no question about it.

“Fool me once. Shame on you. Fool me twice. Lose you lose the car,” Jake said. “I am fully on board with it.”

Jake has idea to arrest street racers

Even though Jake agrees with Spike, he believes it could be difficult for police to convict street racers if all police have as evidence are Instagram videos. Because of that, he has some ideas on how Seattle police can curb street racing.

“I think you need to find a youngish-looking cop in the SPD, somebody who’s hip, and have them infiltrate the groups,” Jake shared.

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

seattle storm fever wnba...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘Doesn’t sound super inclusive’: Jake and Spike react to Seattle Storm co-owner allegedly cursing at teens in XX-XY shirts

Seattle Storm faces backlash after a co-owner's alleged remarks brought teen fans to tears during a Tuesday night game against the Indiana Fever.

10 hours ago

Wilson Barnes presser...

Jake Skorheim

Jake: Calls grow to fire SPD chief, but would Katie Wilson’s replacement be any better?

SPD Chief Barnes has his problems, but he might be better than whoever Mayor Katie Wilson would pick to replace him.

12 hours ago

shon barnes katie wilson seattle police chief...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘Reports I’m gone every weekend are grossly misstated’: SPD chief defends how often he leaves Seattle

Jake and Spike analyze the Seattle Police chief's heated response post-Bite of Seattle shooting, asking for more answers on how often the chief is out of town.

14 hours ago

sales tax taxes seattle...

Charlie Harger

Harger: Seattle took in 40% more in taxes, spent all of it, and now wants the highest sales tax of any major city in America

This fall, Seattle voters, who are generally open to raising taxes on themselves, will decide whether to raise the sales tax to expand bus service, and whether to boost the library levy.

17 hours ago

Bite of Seattle shooting mayor...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘It’s now the press v. the mayor’: Jake describes a standoff over Bite of Seattle shooting information

Seattle's mayor and police chief address the Bite of Seattle shooting, revealing tensions over information transparency.

1 day ago

food grocery price seattle...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Quality gets sacrificed for quantity’: Gee laments families struggling with a 33% food price spike

Families face a 33% rise in food prices, the largest spike in 50 years, impacting quality over quantity in grocery shopping.

1 day ago

‘It’s time to lose the car’: Jake and Spike argue police should impound street racers’ vehicles