Minor among recent arrests for illegal ATVs, dirt bikes in Waterbury

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — A juvenile is among the arrests Waterbury police have made so far this month for illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes.

The Waterbury Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force arrested a 14-year-old male from Waterbury on Aug. 8, who they said was illegally driving an ATV in the area of Oakwood Avenue.

Two days later, 23-year-old Lance Morales of Waterbury was arrested for illegally driving a dirt bike in the area of Vermont Street.

Police said “both individuals have been charged accordingly.”

Waterbury officials have spent months fighting an increase of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets. In 2023, a task force and tip line were created just for the problem.

In July, the Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance amendment to increase penalties for illegal operations.

Police ask anyone who witnesses illegal operation of ATVs or dirt bikes in the city- or related storage locations- to contact them.

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