As widely
reported in the media, with the onset of warmer weather police departmentsacross the Commonwealth, including the Lawrence Police Department, are getting
increasing complaints regarding reckless and dangerous operation of motorcyclesand 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 notintended for use on city streets.
The
Lawrence Police Department is committed to everyone’s safety and respectseveryone’s privilege to ride in a lawful and appropriate manner. However, there
are groups and individuals who operate these vehicles in a manner thatendangers the public and themselves. They frequently travel in large groups
with little regard for public safety or motor vehicle laws. They create apublic nuisance, obstruct traffic and are often not properly registered or
stolen.
As partof an ongoing effort to put an end to the very dangerous and destructive
behavior the Lawrence Police Department joined forces with Troopers fromMassachusetts State Police Troop A, as well the Massachusetts State Police
AirWing, and the Essex County Sheriff Department in an operation to addressthis issue. Today's operation was led by Lawrence Police Lt. Jay Cerullo and
Massachusetts State Police Lt. Pete Morawiak.
As aresult of this collaboration 20 citations were issued for moving violations and
equipment deficiencies, 13 vehicles were towed, 3 individuals were summonsedinto court and 6 arrests were made 1 stolen motorcycle and 1 stolen plate were
recovered
JobanneMendez age 31 of North Andover was charged with reckless operation of motor
vehicle, stop for police fail, and unregistered motor vehicle.
SergioBautista age 19 of Methuen was charged with reckless operation of motor
vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle, stop for police fail, uninsuredMV/trailer, attaching wrong MV plates, and unlicensed operation of MV.
Rigoberto
Cabrera age 33 of Lawrence was arrested on outstanding warrants.
BrandolSantos 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 stop for police fail and recklessoperation 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 and Major Matthew Gravini fromTroop A, and Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger for joining the Lawrence
Police Department in addressing this serious issue which is a nuisance not onlyfor Lawrence residents but for residents across the Commonwealth. This is the
first many such operations with the Massachusetts State Police and other PoliceDepartments across the Merrimack Valley.
Mayor
Vasquez stated “I will continue to work together with Chief Vasque and theLawrence Police Department to put an end to the dangerous operation of these
unregistered vehicles on the streets of the city of Lawrence. We have a zerotolerance policy for illegal activity. If you are operating 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 operation of these recreationalvehicles in their neighborhood are urged to contact the Department by emailing
disorder@lawpd.com as well as Text to Tip type LAWTIP and your message, thensend it to 274637 (CRIMES on most cell phones). Text STOP to 274637 to cancel.
Text HELP to 274637 for help. Message and data rates may apply.
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