Group of ATV riders allegedly threaten officers during traffic stop in Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — A group of ATV riders surrounded and allegedly threatened Providence police during a traffic stop over the weekend, causing one officer to draw his gun.
On Sunday around 4 p.m., Providence police attempted to pull over ATV riders who were allegedly driving recklessly in the city.
Officers followed the riders to Dupont Drive. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said it's a popular meeting spot for riders.
"When they got there, they saw a large group of riders, and when they got there the group largely dispersed," explained Smiley.
Smiley said one rider, 29-year-old Alexander Encarnacion struggled to start his bike and fled the scene on foot.
"It turned out that the bike he was trying to start was stolen," said Smiley.
Encarnacion was charged with resisting arrest and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. When police tried to arrest Encarnacion, the other riders allegedly came back with their vehicles.
"Threatening the safety of our officers, riding aggressively towards the officers," explained Smiley.
Smiley told NBC 10 News one officer drew his gun in an attempt to disperse the crowd but never fired it.
"I support their actions," said Smiley. "We know these ATV riders are putting themselves at risk, I mean it's very sad, we're only a week away or so from a tragic death not too far from the incident."
Smiley was referring to a crash in Cranston Wednesday night involving a dirt bike. Two young people, who police say were not wearing helmets and driving illegally, crashed into oncoming traffic and later died.
"This is a major issue in the community," said Smiley. "It's something neighborhood groups, residents and business owners raise as a top issue all the time and it's really degrading the quality of life in our city."
NBC 10 News spoke with the general manager of Lang's Bowlarama on Niantic Ave who said ATVs have flooded their parking lots in the past.
Smiley said he is working with Providence police on a strategy that will hopefully stop dangerous ATV activity. He said residents can expect an announcement about it soon as we head into the warmer months.