On March 5, 2025, officers were dispatched to the area of East Main Street and Leggett Avenue in reference to reckless operation of off-road vehicles. The case remains under investigation.
According to the report, juveniles were observed riding a four-wheeler and a mini bike recklessly on city streets without protective gear. The vehicles were last seen by a group of Boy Scouts. Officers initially patrolled the area without locating the vehicles but heard the sound of off-road vehicles in a field behind Pilot and near Basic Concrete.
At the dead end of Warner Avenue, officers found the vehicles stationary with three individuals on the four-wheeler and two on the mini bike. Upon noticing the patrol vehicle, the riders fled north through the field toward the floodwall, an area posted with “No Unauthorized Vehicles” signs. The vehicles were later observed on a trail along the river, heading east toward Charleston Pike.
After hearing radio updates from a fellow officer, officers resumed searching and encountered the riders again. The four-wheeler, which had four occupants, and the mini bike, now with one rider, were located. The rider of the mini bike, a juvenile, was stopped and identified. The juvenile admitted they were simply riding and was later detained. Their mother was contacted, and the juvenile was issued a traffic citation and informed that they would be contacted by juvenile court.
Meanwhile, the four-wheeler continued to flee, and officers initiated a pursuit. The vehicle was seen heading toward Warner Avenue, where it dropped off the passengers in an alley before continuing east toward Basic Concrete. Officers later tracked down the four-wheeler’s driver and followed up at their residence. The driver, a juvenile, was issued a traffic citation, and charges for failure to comply with a police officer’s order were recommended to juvenile court.
Later in the day, an officer observed the yellow four-wheeler at a nearby residence and made contact with the owner, who confirmed the vehicle belonged to the juvenile. After further investigation, including finding evidence of a cut lock and bolt cutters, the officer spoke with the juvenile, who admitted to operating the vehicle to ride to the floodwall. The vehicle was towed and held for further investigation.
The case continues, and charges are pending in juvenile court.
Follow-up by Officers:
Officers pursued the four-wheeler and mini bike after they initially evaded law enforcement. While patrolling the area, officers observed the vehicles and attempted to stop them. The four-wheeler, driven by a juvenile, refused to stop, leading to a brief pursuit. The pursuit was eventually terminated for safety reasons due to the high-traffic area the vehicle was traveling through.
This report highlights ongoing efforts to address reckless driving and illegal use of off-road vehicles within the city. Further action is expected as the case progresses through the juvenile court system.
