Atlantic City, NJ, Police Chief Wrangles Alleged Illegal ATV Rider

What happens when you allegedly illegally drive an ATV on the streets of Atlantic City?

For a Mays Landing man over the 4th of July weekend, he got to meet the Atlantic City police chief and other top members of the department.

Chief Spots Illegal ATV Riders

The scene unfolded around 9:50 Saturday night, July 5th, when, according to a press release, Chief James Sarkos and Deputy Chiefs Andrew Leonard and Christian Garofalo were on patrol and they saw a group of ATV and dirt bike riders illegally driving down Pacific Avenue in an erratic manner.

The officers, in an unmarked vehicle, followed the group to Albany and Winchester Avenues where one rider, 24-year-old Rashaun Blumfield of Mays Landing, stopped at a gas station.

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As Blumfield was about to fuel up, the officers pulled into the gas station alongside the ATV. Chief Sarkos attempted to speak with Blumfield who immediately hopped back on the ATV and tried to drive away. Chief Sarkos was able to grab onto Blumfield with the ATV still moving forward and forced it towards the curb.

From there, the department says Blumfield resisted arrest and broke free. He then ran onto Albany Avenue, where Deputy Chief Leonard gave chase. Blumfield ultimately surrendered and was taken into custody.

The ATV was towed from the scene and the other riders fled the area.

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Charges and Crackdown Warning

Blumfield was charged with eluding, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice. He was released on a summons.

The Atlantic City Police Department reminds everyone that operating an ATV or dirt bike on a city street is illegal and they are cracking down.

The police department requests that if you see the illegal operation of these vehicles occurring, that you take photographs or videos and submit them for possible criminal charges and seizure of the vehicle.

Anyone with information about this incident or others involving ATVs and dirt bikes can contact the ACPD's Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 347-5766.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.