Oklahoma City, OK — In a large-scale law enforcement operation, Oklahoma City police arrested 154 individuals at a car meet held near Rocket Wrapz, a Southwest Oklahoma City auto shop. The event, which was organized by business owner Raul Anaya in celebration of his birthday, quickly escalated into a police intervention that has since sparked controversy.
Anaya described the gathering as a peaceful car meet and party for friends and members of the public. “We didn’t do anything wrong, we didn’t have any alcohol, we weren’t street racing,” he told reporters. Despite these assurances, police officers arrived on the scene with a planned response, detaining Anaya and numerous attendees, many of whom were restrained with zip ties before being transported to Oklahoma County Jail.
The incident drew criticism from community leaders and parents, who questioned the police’s decision to make arrests rather than issue citations. Pastor Derrick Scobey, a member of the Jail Trust, spoke at a press conference Friday afternoon, expressing concerns about the law enforcement approach. “Even officers who were present on last Saturday, many of them were very confused as to why tickets were not issued from a municipal standpoint rather than arrests being made,” Scobey said.
Several local teens who were arrested shared their experiences, emphasizing that they were simply gathering to have fun. Christian Hammons said, “We’re just kids that’s trying to have fun. We’re just gathering.” Another teen, Davon Jones, recounted the intimidating presence of law enforcement. “They’re telling us that they have dogs, so don’t even turn around, and they have their tasers, rubber bullet guns, and everything aimed at us and telling us that everyone is going to jail,” he said.
Parents also voiced their disapproval of how their children were treated. VonNisha Hammons, mother of Christian Hammons, called the situation disturbing. “For them to put our kids into the deadliest jail in the state is disturbing,” she remarked.
In response, Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy held a press conference, presenting video footage taken moments before officers arrived. Chief Bacy cited reckless behavior and the sound of gunshots in some videos as justification for the police action. “So when we see an event that endangers the safety of the public, we feel it’s our responsibility to act,” he stated.
Chief Bacy emphasized that the police were not targeting any specific group and that their primary concern was public safety. He added that the young adults charged with unlawful assembly and who had no other criminal activity associated with the event would face municipal charges, not felony or more severe charges.
The Oklahoma City Police Department also issued a statement explaining that prior to May 17, 2025, officers received multiple complaints from nearby businesses and property owners about reckless driving, including burnouts and donuts. They noted the event had been widely promoted on social media, highlighting illegal driving exhibitions commonly known as street takeovers, which are associated with dangerous behaviors such as reckless driving, use of alcohol or narcotics, firearms, and stolen vehicles.
Pastor Scobey has called on District Attorney Vicki Behenna not to pursue harsh charges against those arrested. Chief Bacy confirmed he had discussed the matter with Behenna and that both officials are aligned on handling the cases primarily as municipal offenses.
As the community processes the events of May 17, debates continue over how law enforcement balances public safety with the rights of young people to gather and celebrate.
