IMPD, ISP made 11+ arrests, issued 68+ citations after reckless driving incidents

INDIANAPOLIS — Law enforcement officials, including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Indiana State Police, made at least 11 arrests and issued dozens of citations after reported reckless driving incidents over the weekend.

According to a post on social media from IMPD, the two law enforcement entities focused their efforts on “dangerous and illegal driving behavior” across Central Indiana, resulting in:

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• At least 11 arrests
• At least 68 citations issued
• At least seven vehicles towed.

On Friday night, the post read that hundreds of trucks and cars came to the west side of Indianapolis. Officials claim that some of the drivers “engaged in criminal behavior,” which was shut down by using IMPD’s grappler and ISP’s helicopter, including:

• Criminal recklessness
• Speed contests
• Reckless driving
• Disorderly conduct
• Driving under the influence
• Operating with a suspended license

Later that night, ISP’s helicopter reportedly observed a truck spinning next to a group of pedestrians in a parking lot near the intersection of N Lynhurst Drive and Rockville Road. The driver, identified as a Martinsville man, was arrested and charged with reckless driving.

The driving-related incidents continued into Saturday. IMPD east district officers saw three vehicles, including two Dodge Chargers and a Dodge Magnum, participating in a speed contest on eastbound I-70 at around 2 a.m. The vehicles were reportedly racing with speeds reaching more than 100 mph.

One of the drivers, identified as an Indianapolis man, was pulled over and was later cited for speeding and not having the vehicle insured.

Later that day, IMPD officers reportedly saw a truck speeding southbound on Shelby Street when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

They reportedly saw the truck strike a vehicle without stopping. After officers activated their emergency lights, they were able to stop the truck.

The driver participated in standardized field sobriety tests as well as a portable breath test, which showed a breath alcohol concentration of .16, which is twice the legal limit. The post read that the driver was placed under arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Tuesday’s report didn’t include the spinners that took over a parking lot near the FOX59/CBS4 studios on Saturday night. According to previous reports, dozens of trucks, sports cars and other vehicles gathered to perform burnouts, donuts and create smoke by spinning their tires.

After around 30 minutes, IMPD officers responded to the scene and cleared the parking lot. Videos of the incident can be viewed at this link.

“Reckless driving, spinning, and street takeovers pose serious dangers to both participants and bystanders, and show a blatant disregard for Indiana law and for those using the roadway responsibly,” the post read. “This behavior will not be tolerated. IMPD’s and ISP’s enforcement efforts are ongoing and will remain a priority.”

Individuals who have witnessed or have information about illegal spinning, street takeovers or reckless driving are encouraged to call 911 or the department’s non-emergency line at (317) 327-3811.