WATCH: Reckless drivers block traffic while doing donuts, hanging out windows with guns

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - An 18-second video posted to social media shows only a small portion of the illegal car stunts and burnouts that happened Saturday afternoon at the corner of Airways Boulevard and Carnes Avenue.

A local driver filmed the incident, saying he was returning home from visiting the Memphis Zoo with his family when the drivers began circling the area in front of him with passengers hanging out the windows with guns.

“They were sitting in the window, guns up in the air and everything like that. Definitely a different situation than just donuts,” said Austin, who did not want to share his last name.

Austin, whose wife recorded the incident, said they were driving back home from an event at the zoo when his GPS re-routed him to take Airways Boulevard.

“We’ve driven through there several times, and in this case, I see smoke ahead and guys are doing donuts,” said Austin. “I think it was three Dodge Chargers, and I think about three guys in each with guns sticking out. At one point they were sitting in the windows, guns up in the air.”

Unfortunately, the dangerous yet uncommon performance occurs quite often in Memphis.

Already this year, Memphis police have responded to nearly 900 calls of reckless driving.

Action News 5 reached out to MPD at city council Tuesday about the ongoing reckless driving, but they declined to comment. They instead issued this statement:

The Memphis Police Department and other metropolitan cities across the nation have seen a similar increase in reckless driving and drag racing incidents. Acts of this nature are dangerous to those who choose to participate and to other citizens. The lives and safety of everyone who drives in our city are our priority, and these incidents will not be tolerated on Memphis streets and highways. We will utilize every resource available to curb this trend and to ensure the safety and protection of all Memphians and our visitors.
Recently, Chief Davis and her staff joined city council members, District Attorney General Mulroy, community leaders, and citizens at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library to discuss reckless driving in Memphis. We encourage everyone to slow down, drive safely and be courteous of other drivers. The life you save could be your own.
Incidents like these happen in seconds, so we need the public’s help getting a description and vehicle tag numbers if they can be obtained safely. If you observe someone recklessly driving or committing similar acts, please call dispatch at 901-543-COPS (2677).
Memphis Police Department

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