A Dallas man decided to turn an ice-covered intersection into his personal stunt track this week — with a child in the vehicle — as the city grappled with a winter weather emergency that had already stretched emergency resources thin.
Police arrested 23-year-old Eber J. Rosario Soto after he was caught performing “donuts” in a white Jeep Wrangler at the intersection of North Good Latimer Expressway and Elm Street. The reckless driving exhibition occurred at 2:29 p.m., at a time when first responders were already scrambling to handle weather-related emergencies across the city.
Most alarming to authorities? A child was inside the vehicle during the dangerous stunt.
“While our officers are working around the clock responding to hazardous winter weather, choosing to street race is not just reckless, it’s dangerous and irresponsible,” said Police Chief Comeaux. “This behavior puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated in Dallas.”
Part of a Larger Crackdown
Soto’s arrest comes amid a broader effort by Dallas police to curb illegal street racing and related activities. The department’s Street Racing Task Force has been particularly busy, having recently impounded 11 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) during enforcement operations.
Seven of those ATVs were seized from July Alley in the Central Business District, while three more were confiscated from the 800 block of South Riverfront. The timing couldn’t be more pointed — with icy roads already creating hazardous conditions, police say these activities create an additional layer of unnecessary danger.
Why would someone choose to perform such stunts during a weather emergency? That’s what has left many Dallas residents shaking their heads.
The department has made it clear that combating street racing remains a priority, even as they handle the additional challenges posed by severe weather. Resources have been specifically allocated to the Street Racing Task Force to address what officials describe as an ongoing public safety concern.
For now, Soto faces serious charges, with potential additional penalties due to having a minor in the vehicle during the incident. Meanwhile, those ATVs won’t be hitting Dallas streets anytime soon — they’ll remain impounded as evidence as authorities continue their enforcement efforts.
As Dallas thaws from its recent winter weather, police hope this arrest sends a crystal clear message: when it comes to turning public streets into personal racetracks, the department isn’t spinning its wheels.
