South Florida law enforcement ready for reckless ‘Wheels Up, Guns Down’ riders

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. Law enforcers in the provinces of Miami-Dade and Broward are on their guard for the annual ride “Wheels Up, Guns Down”.

Every year, ATV and dirt bike riders illegally ride the streets and highways of South Florida for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day-weekend. The ride “Wheels Up, Guns Down” on Monday is intended for cyclists only.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said his agency would be prepared and that he would carry out a zero-tolerance operation as this event was not approved, it is illegal and it threatens public safety. ‘

However, Tony said he was not convinced by what the organizers claimed was the purpose of the ride.

‘When we carry out our traffic offenses, we always find a gun out here, and therefore there is hypocrisy surrounding these activities, not just in the way they are supposed to dr. “To honor Martin Luther King, but in the name in which they titled their own event,” he said.

Over the past year, videos of riders mocking less than police officers have been circulating on social media.

“It’s useless to run away from us, because with the number of planes and resources we have in the air, you are not going to get away,” Major Robert Chandler said during a news conference in Broward on Thursday.

Chandler also advised other drivers not to engage with the riders. “We know where these groups are, we’re going to deal with them. Please do not take them into your own hands,” Chandler said.

Miami-Dade police also held a news conference with the Florida Highway Patrol on Thursday, saying officers tow dozens of ATVs and dirt bikes annually.

“Arresting or arresting a ticket and having your vehicle impounded is expensive and no way to enjoy a holiday weekend,” one troop said.

In 2008, a new law required motorcyclists to ‘keep both wheels on the ground’.

Florida law also requires ATV riders to wear ankle boots, eye protection and a safety helmet.

“We will conduct and maintain a high visibility patrol,” said Alfredo “Freddy” Ramirez, director of Miami-Dade Police.