Louisville Police Seize Vehicles Using New Ordinance

In Louisville, Kentucky, the police department is using a new ordinance to seize vehicles that have been involved in stunting or reckless driving. This shift in policy and policing has been warned to the public, and it allows for up to a $2,000 fine and the ability to keep the vehicle for up to six months. The LMPD has seized at least 35 vehicles using this method, and they plan to continue using aerial video and social media posts to track down offenders.

The Case of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

One of the most recent instances of this new ordinance being used was with a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye. The police obtained video of the car sliding at Shawnee Park and compared it to another video from the intersection of Preston and Witherspoon. They determined that they were looking at the same car, and in the second video, the Dodge clips a few people at the event. The LMPD posted both videos on Facebook and displayed the Challenger in their impound lot. The car had the same paint scheme as the one seen in the videos and a dent where it appears the offending Dodge clipped a person.

Ongoing Investigation

The LMPD has stated that this is an ongoing investigation and that they plan to have an update in the near future. The use of aerial video and social media posts has allowed them to identify vehicles and track them down days or weeks later. While they mention “new technology,” they do not explain exactly what that means. It seems as though they are combining on-site aerial video from police helicopters along with public posts showing the crimes on sites like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Implications for Motorists

What makes this shift in policy and policing different is how motorists can lose their cars long after they’re done stunting in public. This new ordinance allows for police to seize vehicles even if the driver is no longer present. The fine and impoundment of the vehicle can have serious financial implications for the owner, as well as the inconvenience of losing their car for up to six months.

Conclusion

The Louisville Metro Police Department is using a new ordinance to seize vehicles involved in stunting or reckless driving. This shift in policy and policing allows for up to a $2,000 fine and the ability to keep the vehicle for up to six months. The use of aerial video and social media posts has allowed them to identify vehicles and track them down days or weeks later. Motorists should be aware of the implications of this new ordinance and avoid engaging in stunting or reckless driving.