Teens Arrested After High-Speed Street Race on Hillsborough Ave

Four people, including a 21-year-old driver, face charges after a late-night incident that backed up traffic and prompted a police pursuit.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A late-night Florida Highway Patrol traffic stop in Tampa escalated quickly early Saturday when troopers say a group of young people turned a busy stretch of Hillsborough Avenue into a high-speed street race. The incident resulted in the arrest of 21-year-old Nathan Welch on multiple charges, including felony fleeing to elude, as well as the arrests of three other teens on misdemeanor unlawful racing charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of dangerous street racing in the Tampa area, which has drawn national attention after a deadly crash in Ybor City last November. Authorities are cracking down on these organized street takeover events, which they say put bystanders at risk and can block emergency responders.

The details

According to an arrest report, Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested Welch on charges including felony fleeing to elude, false imprisonment, possession of cannabis and unlawful racing. Three others - Madison Nicholson, 18, Summer Simpson, 18, and 19-year-old Quamari Thomas - were each charged with misdemeanor unlawful racing. Troopers allege Welch pushed his car past 100 mph in a 45 mph zone and ignored requests from a passenger who wanted out of the vehicle during the pursuit.

  • The incident occurred just after midnight on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Nathan Welch

A 21-year-old man arrested on multiple charges, including felony fleeing to elude, false imprisonment, possession of cannabis and unlawful racing.

Madison Nicholson

An 18-year-old arrested and charged with misdemeanor unlawful racing.

Summer Simpson

An 18-year-old arrested and charged with misdemeanor unlawful racing.

Quamari Thomas

A 19-year-old arrested and charged with misdemeanor unlawful racing.

Florida Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that made the arrests and is cracking down on dangerous street racing in the Tampa area.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nathan Welch out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of dangerous street racing in the Tampa area, which has drawn national attention after a deadly crash last year. Authorities are cracking down on these organized street takeover events, which they say put bystanders at risk and can block emergency responders.