Salinas Police is keeping an eye out for street racers

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- On Monday, Salinas Police was called to East Market Street after a street race struck a man on the side walk causing the drivers car to flip.

Street racing is a growing problem throughout the country but also in Salinas.

The busy streets of Salinas have tire marks around many intersections. One intersection that has many marks is on Roy Diaz Street. But it's not only happening on Salinas Street but also in parking lots of shopping centers.

“We do see the occasional weekends of what people are labeling as sideshows or car meets that turn into people doing donuts and burning tires," said Salinas Police Sgt. Zachary Dunagan. "And most of the time happening in the parking lot like Walmart or Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot."

Dunagan says that there isn't an increase in street racing, Salinas Police continues to put different equipment out to crack down on reckless driving.

“We apply for grants so officers will be out there with extra patrol specifically related to those types of things," Dunagan said. "Every once in a while we partner with CHP to help us when there’s a car meet that’s getting out of control to move people along so we partner with agencies and we have officers that are willing to go out there on overtime to to specifically focus on that.” 

People who live near these busy intersections don't appreciate the noise and fear for their safety.

“It’s pretty loud and usually you know during the day during the evening it’s quiet during the week and we would definitely look out and see who’s doing it," said Linda Valdez who lives in Salinas.

While street race drivers seem to only be pacing time, people simply don't want to see anyone get hurt.

The condition of the pedestrian who was hit in the East Market Street crash is still unknown.