Dozens Towed In Bizarre Local Tradition Over MLK Weekend

MIAMI — Despite repeated warnings ahead of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, police towed dozens of off-road vehicles again this year in a continuation of the bizarre local tradition that saw drivers take to public highways and roadways over the long holiday weekend.

Police have a no-chase policy regarding the annual event to prevent high-speed chases that could result in even more injuries. The riders know about this policy and take advantage of it, according to local law enforcement officials.

The Miami-Dade Police Department impounded more vehicles over the weekend than they had last year and the year before.

Here are the statistics as of Monday night, according to Miami-Dade Detective Lee Cowart:

• Felony Arrests: 8
• Misdemeanor Arrests: 6
• Traffic Arrests: 3
• Firearms Seized: 4
• Vehicles Impounded: 3
• Dirt Bikes and All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Impounded: 72
• Hazardous Moving Violations: 18
• Non-Hazardous Moving Violations: 8

Last year police towed a total of 35 ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes along with another 5 vehicles in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. In 2016, police towed 59 motorcycles and ATVs along with three cars.

In 2016, police also made a total of 28 arrests, including five involving firearms offenses. Last year police made 10 arrests and recovered three firearms.

Photo courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department