Providence police ask for public’s help in cracking down on illegal ATVs, dirt bikes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence police are asking for the public’s help in continuing to crackdown on illegal vehicles, like ATVs and dirt bikes.

During a press conference Thursday, police said the crackdown is designed to make communities safer and improve way of life.

Providence police said they are working with Rhode Island State Police and Cranston police. Both agencies will be on the lookout for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes and send resources to the capital city if needed.

So far, Col. Hugh Clements said they’ve seized over 250 vehicles.

“We’re not going to tolerate it,” said Clements during the press conference.

In March 2021, Providence and Cranston created a joint task force to prevent the use of illegal dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets.

There have been several incidents involving these bikes, which have resulted in violence.

In January 2021, a Cranston police officer was sent to the hospital after being hit by an ATV. Eight months later, Providence police said a woman was pulled from her car and beaten by dirt bike and ATV riders. In October 2020, Jhamal Gonsalves was critically injured after police broke up a large ride-out.