HOUSTON – After a groundbreaking investigation, Houston Police chief Art Acevedo and other law enforcement authorities discussed multiple arrests in connection with a car club in north Houston.
"This is the first time that we've done an investigation for this kind of conduct," Acevedo said.
Acevedo, HPD Traffic Enforcement Division commanders and the Harris County District Attorney's Office made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.
MUGSHOTS: 9 arrested after car club incident at 'Be Someone' sign
Officials said nine arrests were made as the result of an incident in which the Lone Star Car Club shut down the 1200 block of the North Freeway around 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 2.
Officials said at least 12 cars in the club shut down the southbound lanes of I-45 near the "Be Someone" graffiti sign.
Acevedo said the club was made up of "a bunch of irresponsible members of our community."
Acevedo harped on the importance of Houston freeways. He also touched on the dangers that come along with freeway travel.
On Jan. 18, authorities identified Christopher Lopez as being involved in the car club incident. Lopez is also accused of chasing and firing shots at a vehicle that caused a deadly crash on New Year's Day.
The nine people who were arrested and charged are facing misdemeanor obstruction of a highway charges. Authorities said more charges could be coming.
The mugshot of Walter Lynn Williams.
Acevedo said that if the incident would have caused any deaths, the charges would have been much more severe. Officials said deadly conduct charges would likely be pursued for similar incidents in the future.
Watch the full news conference below: