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

COUNTY MIAMI-DADE, Fla. Law enforcement officials in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are on high alert ahead of the annual “Wheels Up, Guns Down” ride.

Every year, ATV and dirt bike riders illegally take to the streets and highways of South Florida for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend. The Wheels Up, Guns Down Rhythm Monday event is for cyclists only.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said his agency will be prepared and will “conduct a zero tolerance operation as this event is not sanctioned, 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 commit our traffic violations, we always find a weapon here, and so there is some hypocrisy surrounding these activities, not only in how they should honor Dr. Martin Luther King, but also in the name in which they ‘have their own event. called, ”he said.

In recent years, videos of minority riders harassing police officers have gone viral on social media.

“It makes no sense to run from us, because the number of planes and resources we have in the air is not getting you away,” FHP Major Robert Chandler said at a press conference in Broward on Thursday.

Chandler also advised other drivers not to interact with the drivers. “We know where these groups are, we’re going to handle it – please don’t take matters into your own hands,” Chandler said.

Miami-Dade police also held a press conference with the Florida Highway Patrol on Thursday and said officers tow dozens of ATVs and dirt bikes every year.

“Getting a ticket or getting arrested and having your vehicle confiscated is expensive and is not a way to enjoy a holiday weekend,” said an officer.

In 2008, a new law required motorcyclists to “keep both wheels on the ground at all times”.

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

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