The Wichita City Council has given final approval to changes in a city ordinance to crack down on the problem of illegal street racing, but some changes in language were made during a council discussion Tuesday.

Council member Bryan Frye said he heard concerns about someone who may be passing by or someone who is simply a witness who could face charges for a street racing event.  The city’s legal staff added a sentence to clarify the definition of a spectator.  The sentence says unintentional witnesses or passers-by would not be considered as spectators for prosecution.

Mayor Brandon Whipple said the city needs to have a clear difference between a witness and someone who shows up with the intent to encourage illegal activity.

The ordinance sets out penalties, including house arrest and the seizure of cars, for illegal street racing activities.  Police said there have been five deaths since August of 2019 that were connected with street racing.