12 ATV Riders Cause Ruckus In Essex County: Police

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Belleville police arrested a motorist from Newark after he and 11 other people riding ATVs roared in and out of traffic on Franklin Street last week, authorities say.

According to the Belleville Police Department, officers on patrol saw a dozen ATVs traveling west on Franklin Street around 8:09 p.m. on Aug. 10, “weaving in and out of traffic and crossing over double yellow lines.”

When the officers attempted to stop the ATVs, the riders split up and fled in the direction of Newark. However, one ATV stalled, forcing the rider to abandon his vehicle and flee on foot, authorities said.

Belleville officers apprehended the rider, Andre Morgan, 25, of Newark, after a short foot chase, police said.

According to police, the ATV Morgan was riding had a defaced serial number.

Authorities charged Morgan with eluding, possession of a vehicle with an altered VIN and resisting arrest by flight. Police also issued him six motor vehicle summonses.

Newark police have gone on the offensive against ATV riders, recently using police helicopter surveillance to help officers launch a campaign against illegal ATVs in the city.

• See related article: Helicopter vs. ATV: Newark Cops Battle Illegal Off-Roaders

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File Photo (not the ATV in the above story): Flickr Commons