Two men who decided to race their vehicles on Spring Hill Drive Tuesday morning found themselves behind bars instead of at the finish line, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Steven Nelson, 33, and Orestes Manuel Dorestes Perez, 24, were arrested shortly after 8 a.m. on February 3, 2026, after Deputy B. Croft with the Traffic Unit witnessed both vehicles take off at high speed from a traffic signal at the intersection of Spring Hill Drive and Mariner Boulevard.
The deputy observed both drivers accelerating rapidly eastbound on Spring Hill Drive in what appeared to be an organized street race. Both vehicles were stopped without incident shortly after the racing began. During the traffic stop, one of the drivers admitted to participating in the illegal street racing activity.
As a result of the arrests, both vehicles were impounded and towed from the scene. Nelson and Dorestes Perez were transported to the Hernando County Jail where they were booked on street racing charges. Both men were released Tuesday afternoon after posting $1,000 bond each.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors on local roadways. Street racing poses significant risks to both participants and innocent motorists, particularly during morning rush hour traffic when the incident occurred on the busy Spring Hill corridor.
Originally reported by suncoastnews.com
Sources: suncoastnews.com
