Trio Arrested After Riding ATVs on PSEG Property, Running Over Officer: DEC

Three young men faces charges after authorities say they illegally rode ATVs on PSEG Long Island property in Shoreham and then one of them ran over the leg of a officer while they attempted to flee.

The incident occurred on March 13, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Trevor Galvez, 17, of Selden, is charged with second degree assault, second degree reckless endangerment, unlawful fleeing of a police officer, reckless driving and several vehicle and traffic law infractions. Richard Hughes, 23, of Sound Beach, and 20-year-old Jesse Demers, of Selden, face the same charges, except for the assault charge.

According to the DEC, Environmental Conservation Officer Travis McNamara and New York State Trooper Fabio Daino were on a multi-agency ATV/ORV patrol, sponsored by the Pine Barrens Law Enforcement Council, when the officers encountered three four-wheel drive vehicles operating illegally off-road on PSEG property.

McNamara was speaking to the driver of the lead truck, Galvez, when he and the other drivers attempted to flee, authorities said.

Galvez quickly backed up, running over the lower leg and foot of McNamara, fracturing several bones, the DEC said.

McNamara was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was released later last week.

Trooper Daino apprehended Galvez and Hughes a short distance away. ECOs arrested Demers the following day at his residence.

The three men are free on bail. Galvez faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Hughes and Demers face up three years.

"Illegal ATV and ORV use is a direct threat to the integrity of sensitive ecosystems like the Pine Barrens and public safety, and I'm proud to work with the State Police to step up our enforcement efforts to protect our environment and the people who responsibly enjoy it," Acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "The safety of DEC's officers and staff is paramount, and I wish Officer McNamara a full and swift recovery. We will ensure that these men, and any individuals who harm or attempt to harm to our officers, receive the full extent of the law."

The officers were part of a multi-agency ATV and ORV detail run by the Pine Barrens Law Enforcement Council (LEC). The council, formed in 1993, combats illegal ATV activity as well as other violations in the Pine Barrens. ATV and dirt bike riding can cause tremendous resource damage due to Long Island's sandy soils. The vehicles can create ruts in trails, tear up native vegetation and potentially disturb or injure other authorized recreational users.

Photos courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: (L-R) Trevor Galvez, Richard Hughes and Jesse Demers