West Hartford Police converged on a group of people who had been operating dirt bikes and ATVs in a reckless manner on Monday night.

By Ronni Newton

A man who attempted to flee from police on foot after crashing a dirt bike was taken into custody and the dirt bike – which was later determined to have been stolen – as well as another ATV were seized on Monday night.

According to Capt. Aaron Vafiades, at approximately 11:05 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, the West Hartford Police Department’s Community Support Unit observed a group of people doing wheelies and recklessly operating dirt bikes and ATVs on Prospect Avenue near Park Road. The dirt bikes and ATVs were not legal to operate on public roadways.

Police converged on a group of dirt bike and ATV operators that had gathered in a parking lot, and the riders attempted to flee, Vafiades said. One collided with a police vehicle, and one operator “became stuck in brush while fleeing on the motorcycle,” he said.

The man who crashed then fled on foot – identified as Abdunassir Abdumunem, 26, of Hartford – was quickly apprehended by police and taken into custody.

Police determined that the dirt bike Abdumunem was operating had been stolen from a tow yard in Hartford. It was seized by West Hartford Police and towed from the scene along with an ATV.

Abdumunem was charged with reckless driving, operating under suspension, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, no insurance, larceny of a motor vehicle (first offense), third-degree larceny, interfering with a police officer, and engaging police in pursuit.

He is being held on $25,000 surety bond.

Anyone who observes groups of ATVs or dirt bikes operating recklessly in groups on West Hartford roadways is asked to please contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or via the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969 or email [email protected].

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