Columbus Police announced Wednesday the results of “Operation 52,” the multi-jurisdictional task force deployed to address the reckless operation of ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets.
Police Chief Elaine Bryant, Columbus City Council, and law enforcement partners with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Whitehall Division of Police announced the crackdown on July 21. On July 26th, Columbus City Council passed legislation creating an offense for reckless operation of an ATV or dirt bike, carrying a minimum penalty of $500 and a maximum penalty of $1,000.
“To anyone engaging in this careless and foolish behavior, I want to be clear: that was your warning. There won’t be another,” said Assistant Chief LaShanna Potts. “These vehicles are not toys, and our streets are not your playground. What you’re doing is putting lives at risk- including your own. If life and safety isn’t enough to convince you, know this: we can and will seize your vehicle.”
Over the past weekend, enforcement efforts resulted in the following:
Friday, 7/30/21:
8 ATVs impounded
8 arrests
2 firearms recovered
1 stolen ATV recovered
Multiple misdemeanor citations and several felony charges
Saturday 7/31/21:
3 ATVs impounded
3 arrests
3 firearms recovered
1 stolen firearm recovered
1 stolen ATV recovered
Multiple misdemeanor citations and several felony charges
Video from “Operation 52,” photos of suspects we are asking the public identify click here
“This crackdown will continue as long as this behavior does,” said Columbus Police Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight. “These folks won’t know where we are, or when. We will continue to work with our partners and use the resources necessary to stop this dangerous behavior.”
Get Breaking News & Exclusive Contest in Your Inbox:
The Latest:
- ‘TIME 100’ Honoree Taraji P. Henson Is Gorgeous In A Green Custom Thom Browne Gown
- Victoria Monét Inspires Black Women By Sharing Part Of Her Real-Life Struggles With PCOS
- The Tragic Death Of Missing Mother Tomitka Jurnett-Stewart Must Finally Call Us To National Action
- Brittney Griner Tearfully Recounts Her Harrowing Detainment in Russia In Upcoming Talk With Robin Roberts
- Arizona AG Indicts 7 Trump Aides And 11 Fake Electors In Yet Another Election Interference Case
- Justice For Twyla Stallworth: Black Mother Who Alabama Cop Assaulted After She Called 911 On White Neighbor Is Suing
- RIP Samuel Sterling: Black Man Killed After Being ‘Run Over’ By Michigan Police, Ben Crump Says
- Keke Palmer Shares The Next Chapter Of Her Life In A New Book To Be Released This Fall
- Tennessee House Passes Measure To Arm Teachers And Staff In Response To Nashville School Shooting
- 10 Black Celebrity Brands That Are Taking Over The Industry
City of Columbus Cracks Down on Reckless ATV Use Leads to Arrest, Seizure of Vehicles & Guns was originally published on mycolumbusmagic.com