JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville man who was part of a large group of people riding motorcycles, dirt bikes and four-wheelers was arrested Sunday and accused of multiple charges including street racing and possession of a gun while committing a felony, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).
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A JSO officer said he saw the large group of more than 50 riders around 2 p.m. on Sunday traveling south on Clark Road on the city’s Northside. It was characterized as a “street takeover.”
An officer said he saw the group doing wheelies and running red lights and many had their faces covered and no license plates.
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As the group approached the intersection of Broward Road and Clark Road, many were driving on the wrong side of the road, blocking other vehicles, JSO said.
An officer in a marked car said they turned on their lights and tried to stop the riders, but one 29-year-old man on a dirt bike and others tried to speed off around the patrol car.
As the man attempted to take off, his path got blocked by another motorcycle and the officer grabbed his hoodie and pulled him off the dirt bike and onto the ground, according to an arrest report.
The man was arrested and faces other felony and misdemeanor charges, including fleeing from a patrol vehicle, driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.
It’s unclear if any other riders involved were arrested.
He was released on bond on Tuesday, according to jail records.
Last year, Sheriff T.K. Waters came out strongly against street racers and street takeovers.
“We know where you are, and we know what you’re doing. Your dangerous games will not be tolerated in this city,” Waters said during a 2024 news conference where he laid out the details of “Operation Decelerate.”
