NYC seizes 46 ice cream trucks in 'Operation Meltdown'

WASHINGTON

New York City seized dozens of ice cream trucks involved in a scheme that created shell companies to avoid paying millions of dollars in traffic fines.

Truck operators began racking up huge fines for offenses, including running red lights, blocking crosswalks and parking in front of fire hydrants. From 2009 to 2017, more than 22,000 fines were issued totaling $4.5 million dollars.

Reminiscent of a plot from a noir film, the operators then began creating dozens of shell companies that re-registered the trucks at the Department of Motor Vehicles under the names of the various corporations.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said Wednesday it began seizing 46 ice cream trucks in "Operation Meltdown."

The city filed lawsuits for offenders who have more than $10,000 in fines, according to the mayor's office.

"No New Yorker is above the law – especially those who try to ignore public safety laws and create dangerous situations for pedestrians, bikers and drivers," said de Blasio in a statement.

"For years, these owners have ignored public safety laws and have driven dangerously in one of the busiest areas of the City. This seizure marks the end of the road for these scofflaw ice cream vendors," he added.