Connecticut

Greg Smith

In response to complaints about illegal all-terrain vehicle riding, Sprague’s resident trooper, John Patterson, said he is fighting back.

A new ATV, complete with lights, sirens and skull graphics, will allow Patterson to traverse areas once inaccessible to his patrol car.

Mark Brackenbury

NORTH HAVEN -- For five years, members of the Peter's Rock Association have worked to beautify the park for which their organization is named.

But their work has been made more challenging by the actions of people who use the park as a dump site, scrawl graffiti on structures and destroy the hiking trails with all-terrain vehicles.

Rick Sandella and Sandi Kahn Shelton

MADISON -- Pam Meier isn't exactly the person who would come to mind when you hear the words "great old broad," but she's proud to be called that, just the same.

Perhaps we should clarify.

William Kaempffer

NEW HAVEN — The police department has launched what has been informally dubbed a “quad squad” in an effort to crack down on illegal dirt bikes and ATVs.

Community leaders have complained for years about the vehicles and the police chief says they have roared up and down city streets with impunity — until now.

Crystal Haynes

New Haven (AP) - As the weather warms up you'll likely see more motorcycles out on the roads, but illegal street bikes and ATVs will also become more of a problem.

The New Haven Police Department has one strong warning for folks with these types of vehicles: keep them off the road, they are illegal to use there.

Thomas MacMillan

When Curtis lost control of his illegal dirt bike, Lt. Leo Bombalicki was there to pick him up, and place him under arrest.

Bombalicki, who’s caught his share of bank robbers in the past, was on the trail of New Haven’s newest menace: young people on illegal vehicles tearing up the road.

BRIDGEPORT -- A man on an all-terrain vehicle led police on a pursuit Wednesday evening.

Juan Felix, 18, of Linwood Avenue, is charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, driving on a public highway and interfering with police.

Ray Chappuis of New Milford made mistakes on Dec. 26, 2005, the night he was fatally injured after a short police chase.

He illegally drove an unregistered all-terrain vehicle on Route 202. He didn't stop when ordered to do so by a New Milford police officer. He sped away.

Sarah Wilson

PLYMOUTH — The ATV committee has drafted an ordinance that regulates buffer zones and hours of operations for all terrain vehicle users within town.

The committee has followed existing state statutes, as well as included additional regulations in their ordinance to help the police department better enforce old issues with illegal ATV operation.