Anti-OHV Detail Leads to Seizure of Dirt Bike and Illegal Moped

Anti-OHV Detail Leads to Seizure of Dirt Bike and Illegal Moped

Springfield, Mass. — On Saturday August 22nd, members of the Springfield Police Department working an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enforcement detail seized an illegal dirt bike and an illegal high-powered moped.  

Springfield Police Officers conduct these details to deter the illegal riding of dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles.  These vehicles are illegal on any city street and have led to serious injuries and death to numerous riders.  Some riders are also known to drive recklessly, putting pedestrians and other vehicular traffic in danger.

Officers working this detail Saturday, observed a dirt bike rider on Bay Street.  Officers conducted a traffic stop on the 400 block of Boston Road.  The adult male rider from Amherst received a civil citation and the dirt bike was towed.  

Shortly after, officers observed a high-speed moped rider performing wheelies, crossing the double yellow line in the road and running red lights on Bay Street.  The rider refused to stop for officers and continued until he fled into a playscape area of a park at Mary Walsh School.  As officers approached, the rider drove away again, riding the wrong way down Old Acre Road.  The rider then abandoned the moped and attempted to run away, before officers placed him under arrest.  The moped was seized.  

The 17-year-old did not have a license; the moped was neither registered nor insured and he was placed under arrest.  Due to his age, the suspect's name will not be released.