In the summer of 2017 the Newington Police Department received multiple complaints from citizens surrounding large groups of illegal dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) operating on public roads. Police officers encountered these riders and determined that the problem consisted of more than basic operation. At times these groups ranged in numbers from five to over thirty operators, who were observed riding recklessly on public roads by pulling wheelies, cutting off traffic and disregarding stop signs and traffic control signals. These operators would also attempt to engage police in pursuit when an attempt to stop them was made. This problem was not only confined to the Town of Newington but surfaced in most of the capital region. Understanding how this problem was effecting the safety of our citizens and the motoring public, the investigation was turned over to the Newington Police Detective Division.
An in-depth investigation was initiated to identify these operators, who often wore masks to conceal their faces. After a lengthy investigation and multiple search warrants the Newington Police Detective Division was able to identify multiple riders and two arrests have recently been made in the case.
21 year old Jan Javier Sanchez of 48 Crystal Ave New London was arrested on 3/28/18 and charged with four counts of Reckless Driving, four counts of Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, and four counts of Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle. He was released on a $5,000.00 Non-Surety bond and was scheduled to appear at New Britain Superior Court on 4/11/18.
26 year old Roberto Alicea of 38 Dewey Street New Britain, CT was arrested on 4/8/18 and charged with three counts of Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, three counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle Under Suspension, three counts of Reckless Driving and one count of Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree. He was released on a $5,000.00 Non-Surety bond and is scheduled to appear at New Britain Superior Court on 4/20/18.