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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.
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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.
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.
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