Environmental police charge six after illegal ATV ride that led to officer being injured

As part of an ongoing investigation into illegal ATV riding in the city, the Massachusetts Environmental Police have charged an additional six men in connection with the illegal ride on Halloween night that led to New Bedford Police Sgt. Candido Trinidad being struck by one of the off-road riders and injured.

New Bedford Police initially arrested ten adults from New Bedford outside the former Flagship Cinema, 500 Kings Highway, where the riders had congregated.

About 40 to 50 bikes were observed by Environmental Police Officers riding on public ways in the city, endangering pedestrians, impeding the flow of traffic and disturbing the peace.

The riders charged and their offenses are:

Pablo Medina, 47, New Bedford
Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
Marked lanes violation
Red light violation
Motorcycle passing motor vehicle in same lane
Illegal u-turn
Stop sign/flashing red light violation
Disorderly conduct
Causing gridlock
Speed greater than reasonable

Jorge Sousa, 37, New Bedford
Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
Marked lanes violation
Red light violation
Motorcycle lane violation
Illegal u-turn
Stop sign/flashing red light violation
Disorderly conduct
Causing gridlock
Speed greater than reasonable

Jose G. Santiago, 18, New Bedford
Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
Leaving the scene of property damage
Disorderly conduct
Marked lanes violation
Red light violation
Motorcycle lane violation
Illegal u-turn
Stop sign/flashing red light violation
Blocking intersection
Motorized scooter operation with no helmet
Motorized scooter operation with no permit/license
Speed greater than reasonable

Travis J. Evora, 21, New Bedford
Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
Marked lanes violation
Red light violation
Motorcycle lanes violation
Illegal u-turn
Stop sign/flashing red light violation
Disorderly conduct
Blocking intersection
Speed greater than reasonable
Operating a motorcycle in violation of a license class

Kevin B. Barry Jr., 24, New Bedford
Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
Marked lanes violation
Red light violation
Motorcycle passing motor vehicle in same lane
Illegal u-turn
Stop sign/flashing red light violation
Disorderly conduct
Causing gridlock
Speed greater than reasonable

David Joseph, 55, Fairhaven,
Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
Marked lanes violation
Red light violation
Motorcycle passing motor vehicle in same lane
Illegal u-turn
Stop sign/flashing red light violation
Disorderly conduct
Causing gridlock
Speed greater than reasonable

Police urge anyone who knows these riders or anyone else participating in this dangerous behavior to encourage them to stop this activity before they injure themselves or others.

Police continue to actively investigate this incident and the ongoing problem of riders taking to the street illegally and causing havoc.