This Week on Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Springtime Speed, Social Media Stunts, and the Trouble with Cars
Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes the annual boost in energy that seems to grip every driver. Warmer weather, longer days, and dry roads tempt people to roll down the windows, crank the music, and put the pedal down just a little farther. There’s a sense of freedom in the air—and behind the wheel—that can be hard to resist.
But while the mood may change with the season, the law does not. The rules of the road still apply. Police across Canada are on alert this time of year, monitoring for distracted driving, speeding, stunting, and other infractions that tend to spike once winter is behind us. Tickets are being handed out. Vehicles are being impounded. And roadside stops can quickly turn into court dates.
Of course, some people don’t just drive fast—they drive foolishly. For clout, for attention, or simply because they believe their phone screen is more important than the people around them. A trend over the past few years has seen individuals committing crimes or traffic offences in their vehicles while livestreaming to the world. These incidents are not only reckless but also highlight the disconnect some drivers have from the consequences of their actions—especially when the internet is involved.
The Instagram Police Chase with a Baby in the Back Seat
In Los Angeles last summer, a 21-year-old man named Daiyaan Henderson led police on a wild pursuit through city streets after allegedly committing an armed robbery. During the chase, he carjacked a vehicle that happened to contain his girlfriend and their infant daughter. Instead of fleeing quietly, Henderson decided to fire up a livestream and broadcast the entire ordeal on Instagram. As he raced through intersections and ignored traffic signals, his girlfriend’s voice could be heard pleading with him to stop. The chase ended in Culver City, and Henderson now faces a stack of charges, including kidnapping and robbery.
Clout Chasing on the Highway in West Virginia
A few months later, across the continent in West Virginia, a man named Justin Bo Coyle took things even further. In November 2024, he livestreamed his own high-speed police pursuit while weaving through traffic at over 100 km/h. Multiple counties were affected. Local schools and businesses went into lockdown. He crashed into a guardrail before finally being arrested. The pursuit wasn’t just illegal—it was a public safety nightmare. And he broadcast the entire thing, proudly, for his viewers to see.
Faking a Medical Emergency for Views in Times Square
While not a high-speed chase, one YouTuber decided to fake a medical emergency behind the wheel in one of the busiest places on Earth: Times Square. Zeeshan Saroya, better known as Prince Zee, pretended to pass out in his car, knowing full well the chaos it would cause. First responders smashed his windows, believing his life was in danger. Instead, they found him fully conscious—and filming. The stunt earned him more than likes. He was arrested and charged with making a false report and obstructing emergency personnel.
The Intersection of Cars, Crime, and the Internet
What do these stories have in common? A vehicle, a crime, and an audience. Whether it’s high-speed thrill-seeking, fake emergencies, or livestreamed escapes, more and more people seem willing to commit offences in a car while the whole world watches. Some are after attention. Some are hoping to go viral. Others might not even realize how much trouble they’re in until they’re in handcuffs.
But driving is serious business. Bad decisions made in a vehicle—whether for fun, fame, or foolishness—can carry serious legal consequences. Roadside prohibitions. Criminal charges. Vehicle impoundments. Even jail time.
If you’ve made a mistake behind the wheel—or got caught in a situation that’s now spiralling out of control—there’s help available. Give me a call or send me an email and we can find a solution to your driving case.
