Police in Tien Giang have initiated legal proceedings against 11 locals who planned and participated in an illegal motorbike race, the first-ever legal action officers took against illegal street racing in the province in southern Vietnam.
Vo Hoang Khang, Nguyen Thanh Hien, Nguyen Hoang Khanh, Nguyen Truong Huy, Nguyen Nha Phong, Nguyen Vu Minh Nhut, and Huynh Van Hi were all charged with organizing illegal motorbike races.
Street racers in police custody in Cai Lay Town, Tien Giang Province on April 11, 2021. Photo: Hoai Thuong / Tuoi Tre |
The other four members of the group – Le Huu Thien, Truong Hoa Bao, Nguyen Huu Duong, and Luong Huynh Tuan – have been released on bail while authorities consider slapping them with public disorder charges.
Following reports that police are investigating illegal street races in the province's Cai Lay Town, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper was inundated with comments from the general public praising police efforts to restore traffic safety in the area and requesting that officers hand down strict punishments to the perpetrators in order to send a message to other street racers.
Seized motorbikes at police headquarters in Cai Lay Town, Tien Giang Province on April 11, 2021. Photo: Hoai Thuong / Tuoi Tre |
As previously reported, hundreds of people took part in a motorbike race on National Highway 1 in Cai Lay at 4:00 am on April 11 after having used social media the night before to plan the event.
The group of racers and spectators illegally blocked the highway for the race, causing traffic disruptions and public disorder.
As police units rushed to the scene, many of the racers fled through alleyways, gardens, and even canals.
Police were able to detain 90 racers and 110 motorbikes involved in the incident.
Amongst those detained were individuals from Tien Giang, Long An, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, and Dong Thap Provinces, all located in the Mekong Delta.
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