5 adults, 1 juvenile arrested during ‘ride-out’ in Pawtucket, Providence

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The Pawtucket Police Department said five adults and one juvenile were arrested as part of a joint operation with Providence police during a “ride-out” event.

According to Pawtucket police, a “ride-out” is when a group of riders “operate recklessly as they swarm public roadways disrupting traffic, ignoring traffic laws, intimidate other motorists, and perform dangerous stunts.”

In August, police received numerous complaints regarding groups of dirt bikes and ATV’s traveling in Pawtucket, in which the groups “operated recklessly as they performed stunts, such as wheelies and burnouts, and showed disregard for traffic laws.”

On Aug. 30, Pawtucket police and Providence police collaborated in response to a planned “ride-out” event, in which about 100 riders traveled in both cities.

During the ride-out, police said there was traffic congestion, blocked intersections, travel on sidewalks, and stunts.

As a result of the joint operation, the two police departments made 6 arrests and seized six ATV’s.

22-year-old Justin Mendoza-Avant was charged with alteration of identification number-VIN, reckless driving, and resisting arrest.

22-year-old Tyler Salmon was charged with reckless driving.

23-year-old Guilherme Defreitas was charged with reckless driving.

45-year-old Tromaine Watkins Sr. was charged with reckless driving.

21-year-old Nicholas Wesley was charged with reckless driving.