Over the past several months, the Grants Police Department has received numerous complaints of dirt bikes and 4 wheelers driving reckless through our community. The complaints are called into Cibola Regional Dispatch by our community members and have also been observed by your local Law Enforcement.
The Grants Police Department has attempted to stop these reckless riders, from putting themselves, other drivers and pedestrians in harm's way. This has been unsuccessful as the reckless riders have continued to flee from officers on a daily basis. This reckless disregard to public safety will not be tolerated.
Our greatest fear is for one of these unidentified individuals to crash or be struck by a vehicle that could cause one of them to lose their life or become injured.
Dirt bikes and 4 wheelers are not allowed on our public roads per City Ordinance 16-1214 unless they meet requirements set forth in City Ordinance 16-1214. Along with the City Ordinance riders must also have a valid license with a motorcycle endorsement, insurance and registration.
In the attempt to prevent any injuries to our citizens, the Grants Police Department has been citing and towing dirt bikes and 4 wheelers.
GPD is asking for the citizens of Grants to assist Law Enforcement with positive identification of these drivers, the goal is to meet with these individuals and or parents to educate them. If the reckless behavior continues, further action will be taken, parents will be held liable for children under the age of 18.
EDITORS NOTE: On June 7 Grants Police Department apprehended a teenager that fled from an officer who attempted to stop an ATV. The ATV broke down just up the road from where the teen attempted to flee. GPD Lieutenant Jeff Marez said that the safety of all drivers on the road is important, and especially the safety of the children who are driving recklessly and getting into more trouble when they flee and officer. See next week’s edition of the Cibola Citizen for an interview with Lt. Marez about the proactive measures GPD is taking to combat the off-road epidemic plaguing Grants.