Crime & Safety
2 Arrested for Popping Wheelies, Driving Dirt Bikes Recklessly in the Street
Two men are facing charges after allegedly pulling wheelies on King Street.
WORCESTER, MA—Two men are facing charges for allegedly driving their dirt bikes recklessly on the street, popping wheelies and unaware that officers were watching.
On Wednesday, June 29, a Worcester police officer working out of the Operations Division was assigned to Off Highway Vehicle enforcement (OHV), and patrolled Woodland Street near King Street. The officers, in plain clothes, could hear the sound of a dirt bike traveling from the lower part of King Street. As the officers approached the intersection, they spotted a man riding a dirt bike recklessly on King Street while not wearing a helmet. He was also lifting his front wheels off the ground while accelerating.
The officers pulled to the side of the road, and saw another man sitting on his dirt bike parking in front of 10 King St. Both rode up and down King Street while performing "wheelies.” Driving so recklessly, said police, it caused several motorists to pull to the side of the road in an effort to avoid a collision. The second male was not wearing a helmet as well.
The two males were seen riding their dirt bikes up the driveway of 12 King St. The officers approached the two and immediately placed them under arrest.
The operators were identified as Nathan Moreau, 23, 10 King St., Worcester, and Anthony Rios-Cruz, 27, 31 Fifth Avenue, Worcester.
Both men were charged with Disorderly Conduct, Operating an Unregistered recreational Vehicle, Negligent/Reckless Operation of a Recreational Vehicle on a Public Way, Helmet Violation, Operating a Recreational Vehicle on Public property and City of Worcester Ordinance Hazardous Operation of a Motorized Conveyance (wheelie).
The dirt bikes were confiscated and towed from the scene. Police will inquire if these bikes were stolen.
Information obtained at the scene indicated that several more dirt bikes were being stored in the basement of 10 King Street. Residents of that address allowed the officers to gain access to the basement. The officers were able to recover additional dirt bikes and other OHV’s. The additional OHVs were confiscated and towed from the scene. Each off road vehicle will be checked for ownership status. Investigation ongoing.
The two were arraigned on Thursday at the Worcester County District Courthouse.
