JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville man was arrested more than two weeks after allegedly participating in a street takeover near a Wawa gas station on University Boulevard, according to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office records.
Amir Buie, 21, was taken into custody July 23, 2026, after JSO’s Community Problem Response Unit located him near his apartment on Olevia Street. He faces four charges stemming from an incident on July 5, 2026.
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What happened at the Wawa
Just after midnight on July 5, JSO officers were already staged near the Wawa at 1331 University Blvd. N., anticipating a street takeover — a pre-planned event where vehicles and spectators gather to perform dangerous stunts such as doughnuts, burnouts and street racing.
Officers say they observed a large group of more than 10 vehicles — mostly heavily modified Dodge Challengers, Chargers and other muscle cars — blocking fuel pumps and impeding traffic in the parking lot, according to the affidavit. Between 10 and 20 people were gathered outside the vehicles, playing loud music and loitering inside the business.
Just before 12:30 a.m., an officer observed a green Dodge Challenger with a distinctive white hood and front bumper, as well as heavy rear damage, begin to maneuver away from the gathering. Police say Buie was identified as the driver, with a passenger in the vehicle.
Wild chase through downtown Jacksonville
Police say the Challenger rapidly accelerated through the parking lot, nearly causing a head-on collision with an unmarked JSO vehicle, according to the affidavit. Officers began following the vehicle as it exited onto University Boulevard, then merged west onto the Arlington Expressway toward the Mathews Bridge.
JSO’s air unit, Florida Highway Patrol troopers and marked JSO units were called in to assist as the chase continued west over the bridge and through downtown Jacksonville. The Challenger eventually crossed the Hart Bridge before pulling into a gated parking garage at the Barlow Apartments on Kings Ave., where it parked on the third floor before officers could make contact with the driver.
When officers arrived at the garage, they say they could still smell burnt rubber and burnt brake pads coming from the vehicle — nearly 30 minutes after the incident, according to the affidavit.
Investigators piece together the case
In the weeks that followed, investigators used law enforcement databases, social media and physical evidence to build their case against Buie.
Detectives linked the apartment address to the passenger in the Challenger. Officers also identified Buie through his Instagram and TikTok account, where photos and videos matched the suspect’s tattoos and hairstyle.
JSO says an inspection of the Challenger at the JSO vehicle warehouse revealed the car’s front and driver and passenger side windows had 4% tint — well below legal limits — as well as an illegal dark tint across the entire front windshield. The vehicle was also equipped with a loud aftermarket exhaust system.
A driver history check revealed Buie’s license had been revoked since Sept. 16, 2025 — stemming from a previous citation for racing on a public trafficway.
Arrest
On the afternoon of July 23, a JSO Sgt. observed Buie leave his apartment on Olevia Street and walk north to a nearby Daily’s gas station. As Buie returned south toward his apartment, CPRU detectives in police-marked tactical vests moved in.
Buie reportedly tensed and attempted to flee north on foot before spotting additional detectives approaching from that direction with conducted energy weapons drawn. He then surrendered and laid on the ground.
Buie faces the following charges:
- Violate street race law/operate motor vehicle in street takeover (Third-degree felony) — bond set at $25,003
- Dangerous excessive speeding (First-degree misdemeanor) — bond set at $10,003
- Reckless driving (Second-degree misdemeanor) — bond set at $2,503
- Driving while license suspended or revoked (Second-degree misdemeanor) — bond set at $1,503