A swarm of teenagers on e-bikes unleashed mayhem across a bustling part of Orlando, Florida, prompting police to file several charges, declare authorities.
This downtown disruption took place earlier this month, with law enforcement stating that the unruly crowd significantly endangered public safety and caused traffic jams affecting local inhabitants.
Through a social media post, the Orlando Police Department shared footage revealing bicyclists converging on intersections, halting cars, and blocking an ambulance with its lights flashing.
Authorities report that earlier this month, a group of teenagers commandeered the streets of downtown Orlando with their e-bikes, and several individuals may face charges as a result. (Courtesy of Orlando Police Department)
The same clip shows officers detaining some members of the group, documented through body camera and surveillance footage.
In the post, the police department said in part, “Reckless riding, running red lights, blocking traffic, and blocking an ambulance and other emergency vehicles from responding puts everyone at risk, including the riders themselves.”
Orlando Police detained a teen accused of participating in an e-bike takeover in the city’s downtown area. (Orlando Police Department)
The post went on to say, “This type of dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. Orlando Police officers will continue enforcing the law to help keep Downtown safe for everyone.”
Orlando police said to FOX 35 Orlando in a statement: “Because of the size and mobility of the group, not every rider was immediately apprehended. However, officers took enforcement action when it could be done safely.
During the alleged teen takeover, one e-biker appears to do a stunt in the middle of an intersection in front of an ambulance. (Orlando Police Department)
It was not immediately clear how many teens were charged during the incident.