SPRINGFIELD — Springfield police officers seized an ATV and arrested a 28-year-old man during an off-highway vehicle enforcement detail Thursday evening.
Raymond Gonzalez-Ortiz was taken into custody after officers observed him riding an ATV at high speed on White Street around 6:05 p.m. July 17.
Officers said Gonzalez-Ortiz was not wearing a helmet and was driving recklessly throughout the city, putting pedestrians in danger.
Police conducted mobile surveillance and followed Gonzalez-Ortiz as he rode through city streets.
When Gonzalez-Ortiz stopped the ATV on Longfellow Terrace, officers attempted a traffic stop.
Gonzalez-Ortiz tried to drive away but instead got off the vehicle and fled on foot, police said.
Officers located and arrested him at a home on the 0-100 block of Longfellow Terrace.
The seized ATV had a sticker stating “Never Operate this Vehicle on Public Roads,” according to police.
Gonzalez-Ortiz faces charges including failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a recreational vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, helmet violation, public way violation and operating an unregistered recreational vehicle.
The Springfield Police Department conducts regular off-highway vehicle enforcement details to deter illegal riding of dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets.
Police said these vehicles have led to serious injuries and deaths among riders and create dangers for pedestrians and other traffic.
