An alleged street race in northwest Oklahoma City turned deadly over Memorial Day weekend, leaving two people dead and several others seriously hurt. Police say the wreck unfolded in the early hours of Sunday near Northwest 39th Expressway and North Portland Avenue, after witnesses reported two cars flying down the road. Arrest documents identify the driver as Felix Santiesteban Acosta, who officers say was found lying beside his vehicle at the scene.
What The Affidavit Says
According to KOCO, an arrest affidavit states that officers smelled alcohol on Acosta and that he told investigators he had “seven beers and a shot” and felt “tipsy” before the crash. The affidavit says Acosta’s car hit a vehicle carrying seven people, including three adults and four children, and that officers later found him lying next to his car near NW 39th and Portland Avenue.
Victims And Witnesses
Witnesses told KFOR that two cars were racing down NW 39th when a Dodge Challenger lost control and slammed into another vehicle that was not part of the race. Family members described a chaotic scene at the crash site, and said bystanders pulled out their phones to record video as emergency crews worked on the victims.
Documents reviewed by KOCO say an arrest complaint recommended two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated driving under the influence, driving without a valid license and reckless driving against Acosta. The affidavit identifies a woman, Cecilia Vasquez, as one of the people who died at the scene. It also says a child was hospitalized in critical condition and that an adult passenger was admitted to an ICU with a brain bleed.
Street Racing Trouble On NW 39th
NW 39th has been flagged by residents and local reporters as a repeat hot spot for illegal street racing, and neighbors say those late-night gatherings can quickly turn dangerous for anyone nearby. Coverage by KFOR reports that community members are now calling for stronger enforcement after what they describe as repeated incidents along the corridor…