As widely reported in the media, with the onset of warmer
weather police departments across the Commonwealth, including the LawrencePolice Department, are getting increasing complaints regarding reckless and
dangerous operation of motorcycles and off-road vehicles on public ways.Operating off-road vehicles such as ATV’s, dirt bikes and unregistered
motor-scooters is unlawful as they are not intended for use on city streets.
The Lawrence Police Department is committed to everyone’s safetyand respects everyone’s privilege to ride in a lawful and appropriate manner.
However, there are groups and individuals who operate these vehicles in amanner that endangers the public and themselves. They frequently travel in
large groups with little regard for public safety or motor vehicle laws. Theycreate a public nuisance, obstruct traffic and are often not properly
registered or stolen.
As part of an ongoing effort to put an end to the verydangerous and destructive behavior the Lawrence Police Department joined forces with Troopers from Massachusetts State Police Troop A, as well the
Massachusetts State Police AirWing, and the Essex County Sheriff Department inan operation to address this issue. Today's operation was led by Lawrence
Police Lt. Jay Cerullo and Massachusetts State Police Lt. Pete Morawiak.
As a result of this collaboration 20 citations were issuedfor moving violations and equipment deficiencies, 13 vehicles were towed, 3
individuals were summonsed into court and 6 arrests were made 1 stolenmotorcycle and 1 stolen plate were recovered
Jobanne Mendez age 31 of North Andover was charged with
reckless operation of motor vehicle, stop for police fail, and unregisteredmotor vehicle.
Sergio Bautista age 19 of Methuen was charged with reckless
operation of motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, stop for police fail,uninsured MV/trailer, attaching wrong MV plates, and unlicensed operation of
MV.
Rigoberto Cabrera age 33 of Lawrence was arrested onoutstanding warrants.
Brandol Santos age 21 of Lawrence was charged with reckless
operation of motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, stop for police fail,attaching wrong MV plates, uninsured MV/trailer, receive stolen property
-$1200, and pedestrian violation.
Jeffery Benedicto age 30 of Lawrence was charged with stopfor police fail and reckless operation of motor vehicle.
Luis Negron age 35 of Lawrence was charged with reckless
operation of motor vehicle, stop for police fail, and resisting arrest.
Chief Vasque is grateful to Colonel Christopher Mason andMajor Matthew Gravini from Troop A, and Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger
for joining the Lawrence Police Department in addressing this serious issuewhich is a nuisance not only for Lawrence residents but for residents across
the Commonwealth. This is the first many such operations with the MassachusettsState Police and other Police Departments across the Merrimack Valley.
Mayor Vasquez stated “I will continue to work together with
Chief Vasque and the Lawrence Police Department to put an end to the dangerousoperation of these unregistered vehicles on the streets of the city of
Lawrence. We have a zero tolerance policy for illegal activity. If you areoperating these off-road vehicles or driving a motorcycle recklessly you will
be issued a citation, arrested, and charged.”
Residents with information relating to the illegal operationof these recreational vehicles in their neighborhood are urged to contact the
Department by emailing disorder@lawpd.com as well as Text to Tip type LAWTIPand your message, then send it to 274637 (CRIMES on most cell phones). Text
STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Message and data ratesmay apply.
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