Two stolen dirt bikes recovered in Southbridge after illegal street riding

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. (WWLP) – Two people were arrested in Southbridge after illegally riding dirt bikes and attempting to evade police.

According to Southbridge Police, the department has received several complaints from residents about recreation vehicles going through the community at high rates of speed. On July 4 around 4:18 p.m., an officer on North Woodstock Road saw two men without helmets but wearing masks speeding through the area on dirt bikes without license plates.

When the officer attempted to stop the dirt bikes, the two men failed to stop and continued speeding. The two men then entered a wooded area but lost control and crashed. The officer arrested 21-year-old Luiyi Marte-Escalante of Southbridge and 22-year-old Jean Gonzalez-Reyes of Southbridge.

During the investigation, it was discovered that both dirt bikes were reported stolen. A Kawasaki KX250 was reported stolen on August 17, 2023 and a KTM was reported stolen on April 4, 2024.

Both men have been charged with the following:

• Receiving stolen property over $1,200
• Failure to stop for police
• Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
• Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
• Numerous other moving violations

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