This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dune Buggy Bro Rips Up City Streets On Video, Gets Totally Busted
The driver of a tricked-out VW Beetle who ripped up the streets of San Diego is now facing jail time for his high-speed antics.
Blake Wilkey, 27, pled guilty on Monday to several charges, including reckless driving, after a video of his dune buggy stunts caught the attention of authorities, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
In the YouTube video "Urban Assault: San Diego Shark Attack," which has gotten over 1 million views, Wilkey can be seen speeding through downtown San Diego, Ocean Beach, and other neighborhoods, catching major air over hills, driving up steep embankments of freeway entrances and office parks, bewildering an old man on a phone, and other general mayhem. After all the GTA: IRL stunts, Wilkey even stops off for ice cream on a waffle cone at Rally's, naturally.
The video was posted to YouTube in late January, but on February 1, Wilkey posted a message on Facebook that seemed to suggest all of the fun had caught up with him:
I guess having to much fun on the streets of San Diego can cost you a lot more than you would think after its all said and done. It's not expected its appreciated so don't get it twisted! I hope you all enjoyed the video and use me as example of what not to do.
A Fundly campaign was also launched for Wilkey to help with "lawyer fees and fines," but the effort has received little traction and mostly scorn from commenters. Maybe all of the sponsors in the video will come to his aid.
Sponsored message
Then last week, Wilkey again posted to Facebook:
Monday morning at 8 am downtown I will be facing a judge on 26 misdemeanor accounts for the urban assault video. This was not taken lightly by the prosecutor and I hope it won't be to heavy of a burden on me after its all said and done. If you would like to come show some support and see how it all unfolds let me know! Strength in numbers.
Ultimately, Wilkey pled guilty to to four misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, one count of failing to obtain a special event permit, and one count of exhibition speed.
On Monday, he was sentenced to 45 days in jail and put on three years probation. He will also have to spend two weekends in jail for a probation violation, as well as a minimum six month suspension of his driver's license, which will surely come as a major bummer.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
