TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa police are sending out a warning about large groups of bikers taking over area streets.
Tampa police officers responded to Davis Islands over the weekend after a report of a large group of disruptive bicyclists. Three bikers were taken into custody after police said they intentionally damaged the property of residents and their officers.
“They’ll literally stop in the middle of the road, 100 of them, and not let any cars past and they’ll stop, and they’re wheeling and just going in circles, and they’re blocking traffic,” a neighbor, who did not want to be identified , told News Channel 8. “It’s almost like they’re just trying to incite somebody to do something to them. It’s crazy.”
He had a terrifying encounter with one of these groups.
“My car was parked on the side of the street parking, street parking and one of the guys put a wheel cover on my hood. and then jumped out of the car,” the man said.
Tampa police stress that these are not cyclists out enjoying a ride. Police say they often travel in large groups and drive around without regard for people or traffic laws.
Police said anyone who happens to come across one of these groups should report it to their non-emergency line at 813-231-6130 and report the location, general direction of travel and any description of clothing or bicycle.
Police are also urging people to detour to avoid them and call 911 if the situation is dangerous.
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