A Florida police officer is under investigation after a viral video appeared to show a marked patrol car drag racing a red Dodge Challenger SRT at a traffic light.
The footage, originally posted by Instagram creator 1STCK.SRT, quickly spread online after viewers noticed the marked police cruiser lining up next to the Challenger before both vehicles launched hard off the line.
And yes, the whole thing was allegedly encouraged by the officer behind the wheel.
Viral Video Shows Officer Allegedly Asking Driver To Race
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According to subtitles included in the viral clip, the officer had reportedly already pulled over the Challenger driver for doing donuts earlier.
Instead of issuing a ticket, the subtitles claim the officer asked the driver: “Wanna run it?”
The driver initially thought it was a setup.
That changed when the patrol car launched first, prompting the Challenger driver to floor it as well.
The video shows the police cruiser, reportedly a Dodge Charger Pursuit, jumping ahead while the Challenger struggles for traction.
Homestead Police Department Launches Internal Investigation
The Homestead Police Department confirmed it has opened an internal affairs investigation into the incident.
Department spokesperson Oscar Roque said investigators are now reviewing patrol records, dashcam footage, and body camera footage to identify the officer involved.
Roque made it clear the department doesn’t want people thinking this kind of behavior is normal.
“If the officer was wrong, he’ll pay for it,” Roque told local media outlets.
Street Racing Laws Could Make This Worse
Florida takes street racing seriously.
Under Florida Statutes 316.191 and 316.192, illegal street racing and reckless driving can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment.
That’s what makes this situation particularly awkward.
Police officers are supposed to stop illegal street racing, not participate in it.
The Timing Couldn’t Be Worse
The controversy comes during an already difficult period for the department.
Another Homestead Police Department officer was recently arrested in a separate DUI and reckless driving case, putting additional pressure on leadership.
For now, the department hasn’t announced whether the officer involved was on duty at the time.
However, if the video tells the full story, this officer may have turned a traffic stop into a quarter-mile HR nightmare.