Detroit Police call drifting organized crime; massive tickets issued

Drifting or organized crime? Detroit police say dozens ticketed for reckless driving

Detroit Police say they're cracking down on drifting in the city of Detroit and that it's a form of organized crime.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Reckless driving throughout the city of Detroit has led to hundreds of tickets being issued and police threatening stiffer penalties.

Video began circulating this weekend after cars spun donuts on Grand River and McGraw.

What we know:

Detroit Police Commander Anthony O’Rourke said they wrote multiple reckless driving tickets and plan to issue more.

"We will show up at their house. We'll either issue them a ticket, take them into custody, tow their vehicles, forfeit their vehicles," he said.

The chaos in the neighborhood started on Detroit's west side but eventually moved to the east side. And it wasn't all Detroit natives involved.

"One of the individuals was arrested from St. Clair Shores. We have located people in Howell, Michigan, Brighton, Michigan, Algonac," 

The city's "drag racing task force" was busy. Besides writing tickets for drivers, "spectators" also got tickets. 

"If they’re out there taking their phones out and they’re in the streets blocking traffic, contributing the situation, they can be issued citations," he said. "We will be coming to their locations to get with them when it’s convenient for us." 

What's next:

Police say that they’re cracking down on reckless driving and expect a higher police presence in targeted areas. 

Reckless driving fines are around $500 with up to 90 days in jail and six points on your driving record. You'll also have your license suspended for 90 days and you could forfeit your car.

O'Rourke said the organizers of these ‘drifting’ events plan it all on social media, which is what makes it organized crime.