ANWAR YASSER AWDI

JAWAD YASSER AWDI

     The Tampa Police Department helicopter played a key role in the swift and safe apprehension of two individuals involved in reckless driving and a street
intersection takeover.

In the early morning hours of March 16, 2024, Tampa Police responded to
reports of a group of vehicles blocking the intersection of W. Kennedy Blvd., and N. MacDill Ave. Officers with the Tampa Police Aviation Unit observed a group of subjects lighting a fire in the intersection as a green Ford Mustang engaged in reckless driving, doing donuts, and impeding traffic in the blocked intersection.

Patrol officers on the ground attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the
Mustang, but the driver fled northbound. The officers did not engage in a
pursuit. The vehicle was monitored by the officers in the Tampa Police
helicopter, who provided real-time updates to officers on the ground.

The Mustang eventually came to a stop at the 7-Eleven, located at 4320 N. MacDill Ave., where officers were able to safely apprehend both the driver and passenger of the vehicle and take them into custody.

Anwar Yasser Awdi 24, was charged with unlawful racing on a highway and fleeing to elude an officer.

Police charged 19-year-old Jawad Yasser Awdi with unlawful racing on a highway.
The Mustang was impounded.
This remains an active investigation as detectives work to identify others
involved in this illegal activity.