An all-out crackdown on the use of all-terrain vehicles on streets in Newark received some overhead assistance from one of the city's unique crime fighting weapons, NPD1 Helicopter.
A massive amount of ATV's appeared on Newark streets as residents received an earlier than usual break from a normally cold February to a 65-degree temperature surge on Sunday.
As thousands of residents and visitors flocked to some of the state's most gorgeous parks and Newark landmarks, they were met by more than a hundred ATV's that were spread out around the city and wildly racing down city streets, sidewalks and alleys prompting Newark leaders to take immediate action.
According to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, the crackdown included dozens of police officers and the use of NPD1 Helicopter had cops make seven arrests, towed 19 transport vehicles and or trailers and 10 ATV’s after several quads and off-road motorcycles were riding in groups at various locations throughout the city.
According to Director Ambrose, the individuals arrested during Sunday's crackdown was identified as **Jovan Jenkins, 33, of New York City, charged with Eluding and Resisting Arrest; Jerry Hayes, 20, of Newark, who was also charged with Receiving Stolen Auto**.
Director Ambrose said, those arrested and charged with Eluding was **Marcus Hanford, 32, of Passaic; Darius Jackson, 25, of New York City; Daqua, Dredden, 21, of Baltimore, Md.; Davis Jackson, of Philadelphia, PA; and Isiah Jordan, 20, of Chester, PA**.
According to authorities, at the intersection of Irvine Turner Boulevard and West Peddie Streets, riders vandalized two police vehicles when officers exited their cars to arrest one of their accomplices.
While the two officers were struggling to keep the suspect from fleeing, other riders kicked the two police cars and broke the car’s windows and mirrors. Vehicles were towed following the arrest authorities said.
Director Ambrose said vehicles were also towed near Broad and West Kinney streets, where another suspect was arrested.
"Tows were made at South 20th Street and other locations throughout the city", Director Ambrose said.
"One suspect, who was apprehended in Weequahic Park after his motorcycle stalled, traveled here from Baltimore" according to Director Ambrose.
According to Director Ambrose, an out of control ATV struck a NJ Transit bus at Pennsylvania Avenue and Lincoln Park sending the driver to the hospital for his injuries. He was issued a citation.
Detectives from the Special Enforcement Bureau have located several trucks and trailers used to transport the vehicles into Newark from out of town. Many are U-Haul rental vehicles or have out-of-state license plates from neighboring states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and from as far away as Florida Director Ambrose said.
In total, ten quads and 19 transport vehicles were towed.
The Newark Police Division’s Auto Crimes Unit is assisting with this ongoing investigation to determine the origin of the various vehicles.
“The menace that is caused by the operation of these illegal vehicles in the City of Newark will not be tolerated,” Newark's mayor said.
“Our citizens and their families enjoy a quality of life that will not be disturbed or imperiled by outsiders who jeopardize their safety through the operation of ‘quads’ or other vehicles that do not belong on City streets. We will be vigilant in the enforcement of our safety laws and will not hesitate to follow the letter of the law in this regard. Mayor Baraka continued”
“The influx of outsiders coming into our city to ride dirt bikes and quads diverts precious police resources away from our primary function of fighting crime and keeping our residents safe,” Director Ambrose said.
“We will arrest suspects, tow their vehicles, seize their quads and use our helicopter and special units to attack this plague and to achieve the goal of safeguarding our city. Newark isn't a place where come to violate our laws without us taking action.”
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about the transport of illegal vehicles or their whereabouts to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are confidential.