Teens Arrested at Illegal Car Rallies Across Maryland

Police crackdown leads to multiple charges for reckless driving and firearms violations

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car tire tread or side mirror, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the gritty investigation into illegal car rallies.A recent wave of arrests at illegal car rallies across Maryland underscores the public safety risks and law enforcement's efforts to address the growing problem.Laurel Today

Two teenagers were arrested over the weekend as part of a statewide crackdown on illegal car rallies in Maryland. Payton Frazier, 19, of Pasadena, and Steven Javier Cruze-Benetiz, 18, of Silver Spring, were among those charged with offenses ranging from failure to obey police orders to reckless endangerment and illegal firearm possession.

Why it matters

The Maryland Car Rally Task Force has been working to address a rise in dangerous and illegal car rallies that have caused property damage and public safety concerns in multiple counties. This latest enforcement action is part of an ongoing effort to curb the growing problem.

The details

Police said Frazier was charged with failure to obey a lawful command and resisting arrest after becoming disorderly during an investigation. Cruze-Benetiz was hit with more serious charges including reckless endangerment, assault, and illegal firearm possession. Two other teens, one from Laurel and one from Fairfax, Virginia, were also arrested and released to their parents, with the Virginia teen facing firearms charges.

  • The arrests took place over the weekend of April 12-13, 2026.
  • Frazier is scheduled to appear in court on July 15, 2026.

The players

Payton Frazier

A 19-year-old from Pasadena, Maryland, who was charged with failure to obey a lawful command and resisting arrest.

Steven Javier Cruze-Benetiz

An 18-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland, who was charged with reckless endangerment, assault, and illegal firearm possession.

Maryland Car Rally Task Force

A collaborative cross-county initiative undertaken by multiple police agencies to address illegal car rallies across the state.

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What’s next

Frazier has a court appearance scheduled for July 15, 2026 to address the charges against him.

The takeaway

This crackdown on illegal car rallies in Maryland highlights the ongoing public safety concerns around these events and the determination of law enforcement to curb the problem through targeted enforcement actions.