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.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

Bite of Seattle capitol hill shooting...

Spike O'Neill

Spike: Two shootings in three days in Seattle, and my kid was at both

Understanding the impact of a two recent shootings on Spike's family, who had been near Capitol Hill and the Bite of Seattle event.

1 hour ago

Mayor wilson Katie Wilson shon barnes fired...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘She was looking to get him out’: Ursula contends Barnes gave Mayor Wilson the ammo needed to fire him

"Is this a deflection or a distraction? I am still in shock; we haven't even gone a week from the tragedy at Seattle Center, and this is the focus," Angela said on KIRO Newsradio.

3 hours ago

eating disorder wife ask ursula...

Ursula Reutin

Ask Ursula: My wife’s eating disorder is affecting our whole family, what do I do?

I’ve been married for 13 years. Five years ago, my wife was diagnosed with an eating disorder and entered a treatment program based on a "healthy at every size" approach.

6 hours ago

bite of seattle 15-year-old laws...

Charlie Harger

Harger: A 15-year-old allegedly opened fire at the Bite of Seattle. Two broken laws will almost certainly let him walk

The bullets that killed Whitehead and Villalba do not appear to have come from the teen's gun. Think about what a defense attorney does with that.

7 hours ago

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.

1 day 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.

1 day ago

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