West Hartford Police Addressing Reckless ATV Incidents

WEST HARTFORD — West Hartford police are looking to break up a band of renegade all-terrain vehicle riders while formulating a plan to address future incidents.

Police Monday received a number of complaints regarding what they described as a "large group" of ATV and motorcycle drivers behaving recklessly in West Hartford. The streets impacted include Farmington Avenue, Ridgewood Road and New Britain Avenue.

There were no reported accidents or injuries.

Such incidents often leave law enforcement officials in a quandary because, police said, "Enforcing traffic laws regarding ATVs is challenging as the ATVs often do not bear registration plates and operators fail to stop when signaled to do so by police."

Local police added, "State law prohibits the use of tire deflation devices and road blocks, as well as the ability to pursue for motor vehicle violations and property crimes."

The issue is not limited to West Hartford, police said.

"The WHPD is actively working with its regional law enforcement partners to develop appropriate solutions and responses to the problem, such as other enforcement methods and local ordinances regulating the use of these vehicles," police said. "We have an active investigation underway and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operators."

Anyone with information is urged to contact the West Hartford Detective Division at any time of the day at 860-570-8870.