SOUTHBRIDGE — Following multiple community complaints about reckless use of recreational vehicles, Southbridge Police Department is pledging rigorous enforcement throughout the summer to ensure public safety.
In a recent operation on July 4, a traffic officer assigned to monitor North Woodstock Road at around 4:18 p.m. spotted two males on dirt bikes, faces masked and without helmets, speeding without license plates.
When the officer attempted to pull them over, the riders sped off, eventually crashing in a wooded area off North Woodstock Road after losing control.
Both sustained minor injuries.
Investigations revealed the Kawasaki KX250 one of the suspects was riding had been reported stolen on Aug. 17, while the other’s KTM bike was reported stolen on April 4.
Arrested at the scene were Luiyi Marte-Escalante, 21, and Jean Gonzalez-Reyes, 22, both residents of Southbridge.
They face charges including receiving stolen property over $1,200, failure to stop for police, operating an uninsured and unregistered motor vehicle, among other moving violations.
They were held pending bail release.
Police encourage residents with concerns about recreational vehicle use in their neighborhoods to contact the department.
