COLUMBUS – Police from Columbus and Whitehall, along with Franklin Co. sheriff’s deputies, impounded nearly a dozen all-terrain vehicles and made 11 arrests during a crackdown on illegal off-road driving.
The department has fielded hundreds of complaints about packs of all-terrain vehicles driving and drag racing on both sides of streets, driving on sidewalks, weaving in and out of traffic, and speeding through neighborhoods, Deputy Columbus Police Chief Jennifer Knight said.
“We said we would no longer tolerate this type of lawlessness and we made good on that promise,” Knight said.
Police impounded 11 ATVs during the two-day sweep Friday and Saturday, recovered two more that were stolen, and also took six guns from riders including one from a 14-year-old boy. Riders face multiple reckless operation charges.
“Operation 52” – Fri.-Sat. July 30-31, 2021
11 arrests
13 ATV’s impounded
6 firearms seized
-Source: Columbus Department of Public Safety
“To anyone engaging in this careless and foolish behavior, I want to be clear: that was your warning. There won’t be another. These vehicles are not toys, and our streets are not your playground,” Assistant Columbus Chief LaShanna Potts said.
Columbus City Council passed legislation July 26 creating an offense for reckless operation of an ATV or dirt bike, for which offenders can be fined up to $1,000.