Lil Woody and 3 Others Slammed with Alarming Street Racing Charges in Atlanta
Lil Woody is back in the headlines—this time, not for courtroom drama, but for a high-octane street racing scandal that’s sending shockwaves through Atlanta. The rapper, whose real name is Kenneth Copeland, was recently identified as a suspect in a wild and chaotic street racing event that unfolded on Memorial Drive Southeast near Candler Road.
According to Atlanta Police, four individuals, including Lil Woody and three others, are now facing a series of serious charges related to illegal street racing, reckless driving, and public endangerment. The incident occurred Saturday night and has since sparked renewed controversy around Copeland, a former co-defendant and now a controversial witness in Georgia’s highly publicized YSL gang case.
Street Racing Chaos Erupts in Atlanta
Police say they responded to reports of street racing and found a chaotic scene involving over 100 vehicles and numerous pedestrians blocking off the road. Several cars were reportedly “laying drag,” a dangerous and illegal maneuver involving circular or zig-zag driving patterns. Adding to the reckless display, participants ignited fireworks, and officers believed some individuals on the scene were armed.
As the scene spiraled out of control, police managed to intercept a fleeing vehicle and arrest its occupants: 19-year-old Katelyn Gamboa-Carrillo, 18-year-old Anthony Behena-Aviles, and 20-year-old Emanuel Garcia-Relasco. All three are now facing various charges related to the night’s illegal activity.
Behena-Aviles was charged with theft by receiving a stolen firearm, felony obstruction, and participating in street racing. Garcia-Relasco faces charges of reckless driving, fleeing and eluding police, and participation in street racing. Gamboa-Carrillo was also charged with participating in the racing event.
Atlanta Police released dash cam footage of the incident on Friday via Facebook, fueling even more public interest. But the most explosive detail came when WSB-TV identified Lil’ Woody as a separate suspect tied to the same street racing ring.
Lil Woody’s Record Adds to Mounting Legal Trouble
While the other suspects were apprehended on the night of the event, Lil Woody’s involvement appears to have been part of a broader investigation. Jail records show that Copeland was arrested on June 22 and slapped with a laundry list of charges: reckless stunt driving, laying drag, driving on the wrong side of the road, failure to obey traffic signs, failure to use turn signals, driving with a suspended or revoked license, improper lane change, and expired registration or missing license plate.
In total, Copeland received a $20,600 surety bond in Fulton County. However, his legal issues didn’t end there—he was transferred to Gwinnett County on July 3, where additional charges may be pending. As of this writing, those charges have not been disclosed.
This latest arrest adds another layer to the turbulent saga of Lil’ Woody. In 2024, Copeland made headlines for his highly publicized testimony in the YSL gang and racketeering case against rapper Jeffery “Young Thug” Williams. After receiving immunity, he famously answered many of the prosecutors’ questions with the phrase, “I don’t recall,” which quickly became viral across social media platforms.
From Star Witness to Street Racer: A Fall from Grace
Once viewed as a crucial witness in one of Georgia’s most high-profile gang trials, Copeland’s legal troubles are now overshadowing any perceived cooperation with law enforcement. His connection to the YSL case, where prosecutors alleged that Young Thug’s label was a front for a violent criminal enterprise known as “Young Slime Life,” placed him directly in the public eye.
Copeland was one of 28 individuals arrested in the RICO case. While many of the accused accepted plea deals and were sentenced to time behind bars, Williams—despite intense scrutiny—pleaded guilty to only certain charges and was ultimately given probation under strict conditions. The YSL trial divided public opinion, with some defending the label as “Young Stoner Life,” a legitimate music entity, while others saw it as a dangerous gang cloaked in fame.
For Lil’ Woody, the journey since that courtroom saga has been anything but redemptive. Rather than laying low and moving forward, his involvement in an illegal and dangerous street racing event has further tarnished his name. What could have been a moment of second chances is now turning into a cautionary tale of repeated missteps and missed opportunities.
Public Backlash and Future Consequences
As the dashcam footage circulates and more details emerge, the public is reacting with disappointment and frustration. “He just got out of something major, and now this?” one Atlanta resident commented on Facebook. “It’s like he’s determined to throw his life away.”
With a growing criminal record and mounting scrutiny, Copeland’s future remains uncertain. His connection to Atlanta’s underground racing scene not only undermines the legal immunity he once received but also threatens to derail any remaining hopes of a music career or public rehabilitation.
Authorities in both Fulton and Gwinnett counties are continuing their investigations, and more charges could be on the way. If convicted of the current allegations, Copland could be facing serious jail time—this time without the benefit of immunity or public sympathy.
Whether he will learn from this experience or spiral further into controversy remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Lil’ Woody’s return to the spotlight has come at a steep and potentially devastating cost.
Nike Men – Male rappers, artist
Andrew Ravens
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