CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they arrested several people who were driving erratically across Charlotte on ATVs and dirt bikes, potentially interrupting All-Star Weekend celebrations.
According to CMPD officials, they received several calls from drivers complaining about 70 dirt bikes and ATVs Saturday on the streets of Charlotte.
Multiple emergency units collaborated and were able to stop several riders on Oakdale Road in northwest Charlotte.
Officers said one of the ATVs had been reported stolen out of Georgia.
Officers said they were prepared for the bikers to come into town during the NBA All-Star Weekend after monitoring several social media accounts.
Great police work by everyone @cmpd this evening by addressing and responding to the numerous ATV’s that were driving recklessly and dangerously through our streets. Our team was able to prevent serious injury to our citizens and made several arrests. Excellent work!
— Kerr Putney (@chiefputney) February 17, 2019
"We were aware through some monitoring of social media that this might be an issue, that these individuals were planning to come to Charlotte, to at least, at a very minimum, disrupt, or attempt to disrupt the festivities," said Brad Koch, with CMPD.
Channel 9 has reported on this problem for years.
Previously, bikers and ATV riders have been spotted driving into oncoming lanes and performing stunts for more than a mile through uptown with no license plates.
Neighbors said they saw the riders every two to three days each week and sometimes in packs of nearly 20 riders.
The CMPD has charged 7 individuals for their involvement in the reckless operation of ATV's and Dirt Bikes on the roadways of the City of Charlotte.
— CMPD News (@CMPD) February 17, 2019
📱Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact @CLTCrimeStopper. pic.twitter.com/yw6dFbaDB1
The following were arrested:
- Christian Camacho, 26, who is charged with trespass, careless and reckless driving and failure to register a motor vehicle.
- Tyler Camacho, 20, who is charged with trespass, careless and reckless driving and failure to register a motor vehicle.
- Kelvin Lamar Ross, 26, who is charged with possession of stolen property.
- Steven Arruda, 24, who is charged with resisting/delaying/obstructing a law enforcement officer.
The following were issued North Carolina Uniform Citations:
- Lazarius Burks, 20, was cited on suspicion of careless and reckless driving.
- Dee Williams, 22, was cited on suspicion of careless and reckless driving.
- Ford Tate, 28, was cited on suspicion of careless and reckless driving.
Cox Media Group
