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.

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