South Florida law enforcement officers on significant notify ahead of annual ‘Wheels Up, Guns Down’ trip

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities are having experience-out ready ahead of the weekend prior to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Each individual 12 months, ATV and filth bike riders illegally strike the streets of South Florida for a “Wheels Up, Guns Down” journey, and regulation enforcement businesses in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are on significant alert, stressing that the Monday function is intended to be for bicyclists only.

“The aim is to avert needless delays, accidents and assets harm associated with reckless driver habits,” Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alejandro Camacho stated.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony stated his company will also be prepared and “will be conducting a zero-tolerance procedure as this party is non sanctioned, it is illegal, and its a menace to community basic safety.”

In previous several years, films of riders taunting outnumbered police officers have gone viral on social media.

“It’s worthless to operate from us for the reason that with the selection of plane and sources we have in the sky, you are not heading to get away,” FHP Maj. Robert Chandler explained Thursday through a news meeting in Broward.

“We know where these teams are, we’re gonna take care of it — please do not just take matters into your possess hand,” Chandler extra. “Do not engage with these individuals.”

Miami-Dade police also held a news conference Thursday with the Florida Freeway Patrol and said officers tow dozens of ATVs and filth bikes just about every yr.

“Getting a ticket or arrested and possessing your car impounded is costly and no way to appreciate a holiday weekend,” just one trooper reported.

In 2008, a new law essential motorcyclists to “maintain both of those wheels on the floor at all times.”

But usually, we continue to see wheelies getting popped on hectic roadways all through the yearly trip-out.

Florida law also calls for ATV riders to have on in excess of-the-ankle boots, eye defense and a basic safety helmet.

“We will be doing a substantial visibility patrol and we will be undertaking enforcement,” Miami-Dade Law enforcement Director Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez stated.

Organizers say the ride will be safe and sound and honor the existence and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Let’s experience nationwide this Monday as we experience as we further clearly show our abilities to unite and ride for a objective,” 1 organizer claimed.

Tony, having said that, said he wasn’t certain by what organizers claimed was the ride’s purpose.

“When we execute our traffic infractions, we usually find a gun out below, and so, there is some hypocrisy close to these actions, not only in how they’re supposed to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, but in the identify in which they’ve titled their own celebration,” he reported.