18 people were charged recently in connection with a massive street takeover in Newington involving 200 vehicles such as mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes. (Courtesy of Tim Lee)
NEWINGTON, CT — Eighteen people have been arrested following a months-long investigation into an illegal street takeover involving about 200 ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs, mopeds and motorcycles on the Berlin Turnpike, Newington police announced Monday morning, July 28.
Police said the arrests stem from a large group ride that entered Newington at about 5:50 p.m. July 12 after traveling from the Hartford area.
Investigators said riders entered the intersection of the Berlin Turnpike and Prospect Street, where numerous operators performed wheelies and other stunts, disregarded traffic signals and blocked motorists from traveling through the intersection.
Northbound Berlin Turnpike traffic became backed up, while motorists attempting to travel east from East Robbins Avenue were prevented from proceeding, police said.
As the group continued south on the Berlin Turnpike, police said some riders traveled across the grass and properties of nearby businesses, including CT Beverage Mart and Savers.
Other riders allegedly traveled south against traffic in the northbound lanes.
A witness told investigators that his vehicle became surrounded by the group and was nearly struck several times, according to police.
The witness also reported seeing several near-collisions.
Police said officers attempted to take enforcement action during the incident, but members of the group fled attempted traffic stops.
Following what the department described as a continuing investigation, police identified and arrested 18 people.
The charges listed below are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty:
Wesley Coss Mendez, 23, of Naugatuck: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $5,000, with an Oct. 1 court date.
Javon Dowd, 24, of Plainville: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 1 court date.
Barbara Diaz, 38, of Glastonbury: Charged with street takeover, engaging police in pursuit, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace and reckless driving. Bond was set at $2,500, with an Oct. 1 court date.
Eduardo Flores, 41, of New Britain: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, and reckless driving. Bond was set at $2,500, with an Oct. 1 court date.
Rigoberto Mateo-Silva, 34, of New Britain: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, and reckless driving. Police listed his bond as "$1,5000.00" in the release. His court date is Oct. 1.
Cashawn Hopeton Brown, 30, of Hartford: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, operating under suspension, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 2 court date.
Matthew Lee Williams, 30, of Bloomfield: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $2,500, with an Oct. 2 court date.
Jose M. Apote, 35, of Hartford: Charged with street takeover and reckless driving. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 5 court date.
Alex M. Vazquez, 26, of New Britain: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 5 court date.
Bryan R. Ardon, 29, of Bloomfield: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 5 court date.
Candis Martinez, 30, of Wethersfield: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, and reckless driving. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 5 court date.
Angel Luis Santana, 19, of Manchester: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 5 court date.
Jan Javier Sanchez, 29, of Norwich: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 5 court date.
Jose L. Arce, 48, of Hartford: Charged with street takeover and reckless driving. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 6 court date.
Zulmarie Gonzalez-Alvarado, 38, of Bridgeport: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 6 court date.
Jose Angel Luna, 41, of Hartford: Charged with street takeover and reckless driving. Bond was set at $2,500, with an Oct. 6 court date.
Victor Chevere Sanabria, 21, of Newington: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, and reckless driving. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 8 court date.
Angel Luis Rios, 20, of New Britain: Charged with street takeover, second-degree reckless endangerment, breach of peace, reckless driving, operating under suspension, and use of an ATV on public property. Bond was set at $1,500, with an Oct. 8 court date.
Police said the defendants identified so far are from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, although the 18 people listed in the release all have Connecticut hometowns.
The investigation is continuing. Police said additional arrest warrants have been granted and further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information about the July 12 incident or the identities of other participants is asked to contact the Newington Police Department at 860-594-6211.