Riders arrested, vehicles confiscated in ATV crackdown in Newark

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in Newark have made a series of arrests and confiscated trucks and trailers used to transport illegal quads and off-road motorcycles.

The city's Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said police have made 7 arrests, towed 19 transport vehicles and/or trailers and 10 ATV's, after several quads and off-road motorcycles were riding in groups at various locations throughout the city.

Authorities say riders vandalized two police cars when officers exited their cars to arrest one of their accomplices.

While the two officers were struggling to keep the suspect from fleeing, other riders kicked the two police cars and broke the cars windows and mirrors, according to police.

One motorcyclist who collided with a New Jersey Transit bus was issued summonses and hospitalized for his injuries.

Another rider was arrested for possession of stolen auto after it was determined that the quad in his truck was stolen.

Detectives located several trucks and trailers used to transport the vehicles into Newark from out of town.

Police say many are U-Haul rental vehicles or have out-of-state license plates from neighboring states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, and from as far away as Florida.

"The influx of outsiders coming into our city to ride dirt bikes and quads diverts precious police resources away from our primary function of fighting crime and keeping our residents safe," Ambrose said. "We will arrest suspects, tow their vehicles, seize their quads and use our helicopter and special units to attack this plague and to achieve the goal of safeguarding our city."

Those arrested include Jovan Jenkins, 33, of New York City, charged with eluding and resisting arrest; and Jerry Hayes, 20, of Newark, charged with receiving stolen auto.

Charged with eluding were Marcus Hanford, 32, of Passaic; Darius Jackson, 25, of New York City; Daqua, Dredden, 21, of Baltimore, Md.; Davis Jackson, of Philadelphia, PA; and Isiah Jordan, 20, of Chester, PA.