PAWTUCKET — Police arrested five adults and one juvenile and seized six ATVs during a joint operation targeting illegal “ride-out” events on Saturday.
The Pawtucket Police Department and Providence Police Community Response Team conducted the collaborative operation in response to a planned organized ride-out event involving dirt bikes, ATVs, e-bikes and other off-road vehicles.
Police observed approximately 100 riders traveling together in a group through both jurisdictions during the event.
The group caused significant traffic congestion, disregarded traffic devices, blocked intersections, traveled on sidewalks and performed reckless stunts, according to police.
During August, Pawtucket police received multiple complaints of dirt bikes and ATVs traveling in large groups through the city, specifically the East Avenue area of the Oak Hill neighborhood.
Riders operated recklessly while performing stunts such as wheelies and burnouts and showed disregard for traffic laws, police said.
Justin Mendoza-Avant, 22, was arrested by Pawtucket police and charged with alteration of identification number-VIN, reckless driving and resisting arrest.
Providence police arrested Tyler Salmon, 22; Guilherme Defreitas, 23; Tromaine Watkins Sr., 45; and Nicholas Wesley, 21, all on reckless driving charges.
“The increase in noise and safety complaints caused by reckless ATV and dirt bike riders will not be tolerated,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien.
Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley said addressing illegal ATV use has been a top priority for his administration since taking office.
