A 21-year-old London man is facing serious charges after an off-duty police officer witnessed what appears to have been an organized street racing event in the city’s south end over the weekend.

According to the London Police Service, the incident unfolded on Saturday, September 20, when an off-duty officer observed two BMWs travelling at high speeds in the area of Colonel Talbot Road near Orr Drive at approximately 12:20 a.m.

The officer, who was stopped at an intersection directly beside one of the vehicles, was able to see the driver and obtain a licence plate before the cars accelerated away at high speeds.

What the officer discovered next painted a picture of a much larger gathering. A short time later, in the area of Colonel Talbot Road and Southminster Bourne, the same officer observed between 20 to 30 vehicles stopped side-by-side facing toward Colonel Talbot Road. Approximately 50 people were standing to the side of the vehicles, apparently watching as cars raced each other.

The two BMWs were then observed travelling northbound from that location at high rates of speed beside each other, confirming the racing activity.

The following day, the officer was able to identify one of the vehicles and the involved driver. He attended the suspect’s residence and made an arrest.

Mohammed A. M. Ayyad, 21, of London, has been charged with dangerous operation of a conveyance, race a motor vehicle, and improper muffler. As part of the enforcement action, his driver’s licence was suspended and his vehicle was seized.

Ayyad is expected to appear in London court on October 25, 2025, in relation to the charges.

The London Police Service emphasized that several vehicles were involved in this incident and the investigation remains ongoing. The scale of the gathering, with dozens of vehicles and approximately 50 spectators, suggests this was a planned event rather than a spontaneous race.

Police are actively seeking additional information and evidence from the public. Anyone with information or videos that could aid the investigation is encouraged to contact the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Information can also be submitted online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

The London Police Service stated they take these types of investigations seriously and reminded the public about the dangers of stunt driving and racing, which pose significant risks to public safety.

Street racing events like this one highlight ongoing concerns about illegal racing activities in London, particularly in areas where large groups can gather to watch. The charges laid in this case reflect the serious nature of the offences, with dangerous operation of a conveyance being among the most severe driving-related charges under the Criminal Code.

The investigation continues as police work to identify other participants in the racing event and gather additional evidence about the organized nature of the gathering.