The West Hartford Police Department took an operator of an ATV into custody on Thursday.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police announced on their Facebook page Friday that the previous day an operator of an ATV had been arrested on motor vehicle-related charges, and police also impounded the ATV.

Police said that members of the Community Support Unit on Thursday had observed “a large group of off road All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and dirt bikes operating recklessly.”

Police saw some of the vehicles pull into the parking lot of the Cumberland Farms at 471 New Park Avenue. While there, one of the 0perators began to refuel their ATV police said, and when approached by an officer attempted to flee on foot.

The officer was able to apprehend the operator, and that person was arrested on charges related to the operation of the ATV. The ATV was towed and impounded, police said.

Parades of ATVs and other vehicles not licensed for road use have often been observed throughout West Hartford, and the region, particularly during warm weather, creating dangerous situations for motorists, pedestrians, and the operators.

In order to assist police with these incidents, in December 2021, the West Hartford Town Council adopted an ordinance making it illegal to operate an ATV on public property. The ordinance also provides police with the authorization to seize any illegally-operated ATV, to have it towed to a storage facility at the owner’s expense, and to sell the vehicles at public auction.

“We value the safety of our motorists and pedestrians and are thankful that this reckless act did not result in any injuries. If you witness similar activity, please notify the police department immediately,” police wrote on Facebook. West Hartford Police can be reached at 860-523-5203 or via the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969 or by emailing [email protected].

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.