Copyright The Boston Globe
Police arrested five people who were allegedly involved in a so-called street takeover in Fall River on Sunday, authorities said. Fifty to 100 individuals gathered on city streets riding dirt bikes, ATVs, scooters and motorcycles from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fall River Police said in a statement. They “congregated on city streets, disregarding traffic laws while performing reckless stunts,” according to the statement. Fall River police shared several videos from the takeover on social media, including clips “that citizens sent us throughout the day,” police said. Four motorcycles, one ATV, and one scooter were towed as a result of the arrests, police said. Arrests include: Christopher Frias, 34, was arrested and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, failure to stop for police, and conspiracy. Advertisement Dylan Ploude, 24, was arrested and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, conspiracy, resisting arrest, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle. Aaron Pimental, 20, was arrested and charged with charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, conspiracy, and operation of a recreational vehicle on a public way. Yethziel Medina, 19, was arrested and charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, operation of a recreational vehicle on a public way, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, conspiracy, resisting arrest, and a motorized scooter violation. Advertisement Jerron Butler, 36, was arrested and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, disturbing the peace, disorderly Conduct, failure to stop for police, conspiracy, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, resisting arrest, assault and battery on an officer, and failure to use care when turning, police said. “These unlawful gatherings pose a significant safety concern to the public,” police said in the statement. “These are not merely bikers peacefully enjoying a law-abiding ride through our city. These are chaotic groups that block streets, operate recklessly and hinder the safe travel of those around them. “Many of these riders are uninsured and have little to no experience operating these vehicles, often resulting in crashes, personal injury and property damage,” the statement continued. Fall River police said they were “fed up” with street takeovers and remain committed to “intervening with [these] unlawful circuses” in the interest of public safety. “We will rip you off of your bike, tow it and provide you with free transport to our jail,” police said in the statement. A similar incident occurred in Fall River in early October, when hundreds of people took part in a street takeover that forced an ambulance to reroute. Five people were arrested following that incident and a warrant was issued for a sixth individual, the Globe reported. Emily Sweeney can be reached at emily.sweeney@globe.com. Follow her @emilysweeney and on Instagram @emilysweeney22.
