Motorcycle Wheelies In Willimantic Lead To Arrest Of Juveniles On Weapons, Traffic Charges

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Antics by a group of motorcycle riders in Willimantic led to weapons and other assorted charges, police said.

According to an incident report, at 4:44 p.m. Wednesday, police observed a several motorcycles on Main Street with riders performing wheelies and other reckless maneuvers in the midst of traffic.

The motorcycles had no registration plates and were of the size required to be registered, according to an incident report. The riders continued west until they became stuck in traffic at the light between Main Street and Clark Street, at which time officers attempted to pull them over, according to an incident report.

As officers approached the riders on foot, one sped away, forcing an officer to leap out of the way, according to an incident report.

The rider fell off the bike and, when officers went to apprehend him, some of the other riders sped away, according to an incident report.

The rider who fell was taken into custody was a juvenile and officers located a "Glock-style" replica pistol outfitted with a "tactical weapon light," and loaded with a BB/pellet clip on the rider, according to an incident report.

The juvenile was charged with illegal use of a facsimile firearm, attempted assault on an officer, interfering with police, second-degree reckless endangerment, disobeying the signal of an officer, driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without insurance and engaging police in a pursuit.

A second juvenile who remained at the scene was charged with the same crimes, minus the gun charges.

Both bikes were seized.