News Summary
A coordinated police operation in Pawtucket and Providence led to the arrest of six individuals for reckless ATV riding, addressing public safety concerns. The joint effort came in response to complaints about dangerous riding that disrupted traffic. Among the arrested was Jamal Boleman, wanted for multiple charges. Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the operation, as authorities emphasized the importance of enforcing traffic laws to ensure community safety.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island – Six Arrested During Joint Police Operation Targeting Reckless ATV Riders
On August 30, 2023, six individuals were arrested during a coordinated police operation addressing the issue of reckless ATV and dirt bike riding in Pawtucket and Providence. This operation was a response to increasing complaints of dangerous riding activities that disrupted traffic and endangered public safety in local neighborhoods.
Among those arrested was Jamal Boleman, a 46-year-old man from Pawtucket, whose arrest was executed by the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force. Boleman was taken into custody due to multiple bench warrants issued by Providence Superior Court. The charges included failing to appear in court on allegations of reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, and eluding police.
The operation came as a result of reports about a planned “ride-out” event, which had attracted approximately 100 riders. This event resulted in significant traffic disturbances and flagrant violations of traffic laws in the Oak Hill neighborhood. Police agencies from both Pawtucket and Providence collaborated to respond to this planned gathering effectively.
The arrests included five adults and one juvenile, all of whom were charged with reckless driving. In addition, Justin Mendoza-Avant, a 22-year-old, faced extra charges for altering a vehicle identification number (VIN) and resisting arrest. Other individuals arrested were Tyler Salmon (22), Guilherme Defreitas (23), Tromaine Watkins Sr. (45), and Nicholas Wesley (21), all facing the same reckless driving charge. The operation resulted in the seizure of a total of six ATVs.
Local residents voiced concern regarding the police’s focus on these operations, suggesting that law enforcement should prioritize infrastructure development rather than targeting riders. Despite their concerns, the authorities emphasized the importance of enforcing existing ordinances that prohibit off-road vehicles on city streets to mitigate immediate safety risks that reckless riding poses.
The Providence Police Community Response Team (CRT), launched in 2023, has played a crucial role in addressing illegal ATV and dirt bike activities in the city. Prior to this recent incident, police reported a noticeable decline in illegal ATV activities in Providence this year, a trend attributed to enhanced community cooperation and the CRT’s proactive measures aimed at curtailing such behavior.
Since its establishment, the CRT has successfully seized 212 illegal ATVs, a striking contrast to the 102 seizures accomplished over a three-year period under previous administration efforts. This significant increase in enforcement demonstrates the effectiveness of the CRT in addressing public safety concerns related to reckless riding.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of both city police departments. The joint operation was seen as an essential step in improving public safety and enhancing quality-of-life issues affected by reckless ATV and dirt bike riding in the region.
The law enforcement efforts continue in both Pawtucket and Providence as police remain committed to ensuring traffic safety and community well-being through targeted actions against reckless riding practices.
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Additional Resources
- Brown Daily Herald
- Wikipedia: All-Terrain Vehicle
- Valley Breeze
- Google Search: Providence ATV laws
- WPRI
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reckless Driving
- Turn to 10
- Google News: ATV and dirt bike riding Pawtucket
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
