SPRINGFIELD, MA — Springfield police seized four illegal off-highway vehicles during enforcement operations Wednesday and Thursday.
Officers conducted the details to deter illegal riding of dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles, which are prohibited on city streets and have led to serious injuries and deaths.
On Wednesday around 4:30 p.m., officers assigned to Squad C arrested a dirt bike rider on Andrew Street.
The rider was identified as Jamain Velez-Berrios, 22, of Chicopee.
The dirt bike was reported stolen out of Ware.
Velez-Berrios is charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle and helmet violation.
Around 5:25 p.m. Wednesday, officers working an anti-OHV detail observed an individual attempting to start a dirt bike after it stalled on the 300 block of Walnut Street.
The dirt bike was seized and the 24-year-old male rider will receive a criminal summons.
On Thursday around 4:40 p.m., officers observed a dirt bike in the area of Franklin Street and Webster Street.
Officers approached the helmetless rider on Liberty Street where a 17-year-old male was placed under arrest.
His name will not be released due to his age.
Around 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Massachusetts State Police Air Wing notified officers of a motorcycle rider on Dickinson Street operating in a negligent manner.
The rider was weaving in and out of traffic, traveling on the wrong side of the road and on the sidewalk.
The unregistered motorcycle was also being operated without a motorcycle license.
The 25-year-old male rider stopped on Biltmore Street.
The motorcycle was seized and the rider will receive a criminal summons.
