Atlantic City man charged in ATV crash that caused evacuation

An Atlantic City man was charged after he struck a gas meter, causing the evacuation of a street for hours Monday night.

Police responded to the first block of North Morris Avenue at 7:49 p.m., and were hit by the smell of gas, Capt. Kevin Fair said.

The street between Atlantic and Arctic avenues were immediately evacuated.

Laron Wright, 31, was riding the ATV when he entered an alley and tried to make a turn, according to the report. He lost control and struck the meter and a parked vehicle, Fair said.

Fire Chief Scott Evans originally told BreakingAC a gas main was struck.

South Jersey Gas was on scene by 8:30 p.m., and the gas had been shut off, Evans said.

Police seized the ATV.

Wright was charged with recklessly creating the risk of widespread injury/damage and disorderly conduct. He was released on a summons.

He was also issued several traffic citations, including failure to report an accident, records show.

The ATV has just been brought to the area less than two hours before the crash (inset), according to photographer Motii Viera.

NOTE: This story originally ran Aug. 26. It has been updated to include the charges and additional details.