South Florida law enforcement is ready for reckless “Wheels Up, Guns Down” riders

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade and Broward County law enforcement officers are on high alert ahead of the annual “Wheels Up, Guns Down” race.

Every year, dirty ATVs and bicycles illegally hit the streets and highways of South Florida for Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend. Monday’s “Wheels Up, Guns Down” event is for cyclists only.

Sheriff Broward, Gregory Tony, said his agency would be prepared and “conduct a zero-tolerance operation because this event is not sanctioned, it is illegal and it is a threat to public safety.”

Tony, however, said he was not convinced by what organizers said was the purpose of the trip.

“When we commit our trafficking offenses, we always find a weapon here, and therefore there is some hypocrisy around these activities, not only in how they should honor Dr. Martin Luther King, but also in the name of in which I named them my own event, “he said.

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

“It is useless to run away from us, because with the number of aircraft and resources we have in the sky, you will not escape,” FHP Major Robert Chandler said Thursday at a news conference in Broward.

Chandler also advised other drivers not to engage with drivers. “We know where these groups are, we’ll work it out – please don’t take matters into your own hands,” Chandler said.

Miami-Dade police held a news conference Thursday with the Florida Highway Patrol and said officers tow dozens of dirty ATVs and bicycles each year.

“Getting a ticket or arresting and confiscating the vehicle is expensive and there is no way to enjoy a holiday weekend,” said one soldier.

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 ankle boots, eye protection and a helmet.

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