- Officers swooped on the takeover near Miami International Airport in Florida’
- Video shared by cops shows a caravan that stretched for over a hundred yards
- Police made 61 arrests, issued 363 citations and found several cars were stolen
More than 60 people have been arrested at a huge street takeover event on Martin Luther King weekend in Florida.
The arrests happened near Miami International Airport, where police said supercar owners allegedly tried to race down the road.
Video shared by cops shows a snaking caravan of supped-up sports cars that stretched more than a hundred yards.
A heavy police presence is also seen during the takedown – during which officers made 61 arrests, issued 363 citations, and found several cars were stolen.
A number for the burglarized vehicles was not immediately provided, but cops in a statement confirmed they have since been returned.
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The bust comes after officers had warned the event ‘would not be tolerated,’ after participants took the streets in previous years, performing dangerous stunts on streets and highways.
The movement is aimed to promote peace – but sometimes, as cops said in a Statement Saturday – the events can get out of hand.
‘As part of our Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Safety Initiative, detectives from our Homeland Security Bureau along with officers from the Priority Response Team, Motors Unit, and the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a takedown of numerous violators engaged in participating or spectating in Intersection Takeovers in a location near Miami International Airport,’ the Friday update read.
A subsequent statement penned minutes later added: ‘We will continue to protect our roadways by enforcing traffic laws and increasing patrol throughout the long weekend.
‘We have a Zero Tolerance for anyone breaking traffic laws and being reckless in our county. DO NOT drive unauthorized vehicles on roadways.’
The stern warning was followed by yet another issued Sunday evening, on the eve of a federal holiday that sees most Americans take Monday off work.
It also comes as large groups in years past have caused accidents or other dangerous conditions on roads – something that could have been the case Friday night, if not for cops efforts.
Hours before, Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Alejandro Camacho said in an interview with NBC 6 that ‘Dr. Martin Luther King’s name should not be tarnished nor should his legacy be overshadowed by the chaos’ created by the at this point anticipated event.
‘The illegal operation of motorcycles, dirt bikes and all-terrain type vehicles on highways and roadways throughout South Florida is extremely dangerous and hazardous to public safety and will not be tolerated,’ Camacho told the outlet.
Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels similarly spoke about how her department was set to carry out its ‘zero-tolerance [policy] this weekend,’ and reiterated how it us illegal to drive a dirt bike, ATV, or off-road vehicle on a public road.
Most of the vehicles during Friday’s bust appeared to be street legal – but cops on Saturday said that the issue stemmed from the fact that the dozens of cars were attempting to conquer an entire street, spurring officers to take action.
‘In prior holiday weekends, we have encountered visitors who come to our county to block roads and interfere with the flow of traffic,’ Daniels said just before the bust of this particular dynamic.
‘Participating in such activities will result in police action, including arrest, citation and your vehicle being impounded,’ she added.
The response seen later in the day made good on both police force’s promises, and showed how they anticipated that revelers would adapt after being warned not to use off-road vehicles.
After advertising the event more discreetly on social media than previous years, a group of hundreds showed up in full force – effectively stopping traffic on the well-traveled street.
In past years, ATV, dirt bike riders and cyclists were much more prominent – seen driving recklessly on roads, and even shutting down major highways.
In 2023, Miami-Dade police said the department investigated 154 traffic fatalities linked to that year’s version of the event.
Years prior offered more of the same, after the ride-out first surfaced in 2020.
This year’s response, however, was much more pronounced – and officers on Sunday promised to continue to arrest participants if they attempt at one final display during the long weekend.
‘We will protect our roadways by enforcing traffic laws and increasing patrol throughout the long weekend,’ their statement read.
‘This is all part of our ongoing commitment to community safety.’
DailyMail.com has reached out to the Miami Dade Police Department for an update.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
