The sound of tires screeching led a Santa Rosa police officer to a car race on West Third Street and a couple of young men driving about 90 mph on the city street, police officials reported.


Officer Phil Brazis was patrolling Monday afternoon in the area when he heard the noise and went to investigate. He found numerous skid marks along the route and the two cars travelling alongside each other in the westbound lanes, Sgt. Eric Goldschlag said. The cars raced along West Third Street and were stopped by the officer short of Fulton Road.

Brazis, speeding up to catch them, estimated the two were reaching speeds of about 90 mph.

The two drivers admitted to racing, Goldschlag said. They also had juveniles in their cars and so were arrested on suspicion of engaging in a speed contest and child endangerment.

Elvis Barragan, 20 and Ryan Fleming, 20, were booked into Sonoma County Jail. Their cars were impounded.