Cops break up drag racing on McGrath Highway
By George P. Hassett

   Officer Derek Dottin approached the southbound side of McGrath Highway Wednesday May 17 and witnessed an unusual criminal act.
   ‚ÄúI observed two motor vehicles exit the plaza, cross over the southbound lane and pull even, side by side, on the northbound lanes. Both motor vehicles sat there with their headlights off. I then observed an unidentified male step out into the middle of the two vehicles and raise his arms over his head,‚Äù said Dottin in the incident report.

     The male then allegedly dropped his hands and the vehicles were off, drag racing in the direction of Dottin‚Äôs cruiser.
    ‚ÄúWith emergency lights still on, I proceeded to pursue the two vehicle in attempt to stop the cars. Both motor vehicles refused to stop, even running red lights at McGrath Hwy and Medford St and McGrath Hwy @ Pearl St to evade police.  Speeds of both vehicles could be estimated well over 80 mph. At the intersection of McGrath and Pearl St., about a mile and a half from where I first encountered the motor vehicles, the defendant, Dana Garcia, was forced to lock up her brakes, as she nearly collided with an SUV traveling westbound on Pearl St.  Sliding into the intersection and nearly missing the SUV, Garcia was forced to turn left onto Pearl St. Losing her rate of speed,    Garcia was over taken by two Somerville marked units, boxed in and forced to stop,‚Äù said Dottin in the incident report.
   Garcia arrested and charged with failure to stop for a police officer, speeding, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, racing, and red light violations. The other drag racer in the incident sped away before police could catch up.