Utica, N.Y. — Utica police are searching for a group of ATV riders who sped through the city Thursday evening, harassing officers and damaging property before escaping.
Police attempted to stop the group in Oneida Park around 5 p.m., but ended the pursuit when the riders began recklessly driving on sidewalks, Lt. Michael Curley said. The group included more than five riders, he said.
The group was later found parked on the ski hills at the Memorial Parkway. As police attempted to stop the group again, one of the ATVs would not start, Curley said. The ATV driver then abandoned the vehicle, jumped on the back of another ATV and drove away, he said.
Curley said the ATV riders returned and drove at the officers, spraying them with mud and dirt and encircling them. Before driving away, the ATV drivers also repeatedly kicked police cars, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage, Curley said.
Police ask that anyone who may be able to assist with the identification of the drivers contact the Utica Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 315-223-3510.
Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
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