Monday, January 12, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

12 pedicab operators arrested in crackdown

Riders cited for illegally operating vehicles; rickshaws impounded

Sgt. Thomas Jenkins, left, is shown Saturday during a crackdown on pedicab operators near the Las Vegas Convention Center. Photo by John Gurzinski.

Las Vegas police arrested 12 pedicab operators Saturday during the latest crackdown against the human-pedaled taxis.

Bicycle officers surprised the operators at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which was holding the Consumer Electronics Show.

When the officers rolled in, the pedicabs rolled out in droves, Sgt. Thomas Jenkins said.

"We got as many as we could," he said. "A lot of them got away."

Police cited the 12 pedicab operators, arrested them and impounded their rickshaws.

Some of the those arrested had warrants for other crimes, Jenkins said.

The operators were cited for illegally operating pedicabs, which are banned in Clark County, he said.

The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum punishment of six months in jail and $1,000 fine.

Jenkins said the pedicab operators have scoffed at the county law by operating despite police crackdowns.

He said many of them have tracked his squad's schedule and rode when he was off-duty.

He said he wants to put a end to the practice, but pedicabs will never ride away for good.

"It's like prostitution," he said. "It's just too much money for them to walk away from."