A Miami man is facing charges for allegedly coordinating multiple street takeovers, authorities said.
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Bryan Jose Portillo-Perez, 25, was arrested Tuesday on five counts of coordinated highway drag racing, Miami-Dade jail records showed.
According to an arrest report, the arrest was made amid the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Bureau Intelligence and Investigations Section investigation into intersection takeover groups.
The groups block roadways so vehicles known as “spinners” can do donuts in the intersection while spectators watch and record, the report said.
“Drivers perform stunts within the intersection, dubbed the pit, while others run into the center to record the stunts for social media fame. While these lawless and reckless stunts are being performed, innocent bystanders remain in their vehicles with no path of escape, causing fear and an inherent danger posed by those involved in these crimes,” the report said. “Additionally, these stunts cause concern for public safety and emergency vehicles are unable to traverse the roadways that are blocked off.”
On March 29, Portillo-Perez posted on an Instagram group chat a flyer promoting an intersection takeover involving various addresses in Miami-Dade and Broward, the report said.
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He posted four locations with different times and at each location, 50-60 vehicles responded and blocked the traffic lanes, the report said.
Around 100 spectators gathered and recorded the vehicles doing donuts, the report said.
The report said the same group chat had been used to post addresses in Margate for intersection takeovers.
When Margate Police responded to clear the roadway, an officer was struck by a vehicle as it fled, requiring medical attention, the report said.
Portillo-Perez was booked into jail and was expected to appear in bond court on Wednesday.
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