CINCINNATI — Traffic on northbound I-71 inside the Lytle Tunnel was stopped for more than 10 minutes Saturday night by multiple cars doing donuts and burnouts.
The highway was blocked around 9:45 p.m. just inside the tunnel's entrance headed northbound. WCPO 9 Meteorologist Brandon Spinner was driving at the time, when he was involved in the shut down, and filmed video of the antics. Spinner said he wasn't able to proceed on the roadway for more than 9 minutes, and saw four different cars participate in the activity.
More than a dozen people wearing facemasks were seen walking on the highway during the time that the cars were blocking the lanes. Multiple license plates on the cars involved were blocked. The group cleared the area and headed north just before 10 p.m.
WCPO 9 looked further into the issue here.
Cincinnati Police Department Lieutenant Jonathan Cunningham released the following statement about the issues over the weekend:
"We are absolutely aware that this occurred over the weekend and an investigation has been opened. The dangers associated with this type of recklessness and misuse of a motor vehicle could lead to significant injury or even death. Why would one think that it is OK to operate a motor vehicle in a manner that would risk their own life or the life of an innocent bystanders? Anyone who has any information regarding this matter is asked to call crime stoppers at 513-352-3040.
Traffic on I-71 is stopped heading into the I-71 tunnel as cars continue to do burnouts and donuts in the entrance. Most of the people are wearing face masks and licenses plates have been covered. #WCPO @wcpo pic.twitter.com/53MBvEUn3Y
— Brandon Spinner WCPO (@wxSpinner89) October 1, 2023
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