High-speed ATV chase catches up with Monroe man

Written by The Republican Journal

Friday, June 05, 2009

Tanya Mitchell

MONROE (June 4): A Monroe man was arrested Tuesday, June 2 on a warrant, 10 days after he was allegedly involved in an ATV chase that topped 80 miles per hour.

Michael Neacy, 24, was charged with eluding an officer and failure to stop for an officer based on an incident that allegedly occurred Friday, May 22.

Waldo County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Bob Keating said Deputy Ben Seekins made the arrest and the alleged chase involved Deputy James Greeley.

"We had received a complaint about what was believed to be an underage party in a pit in the town of Monroe," Keating said.

According to the police report, Greeley heard a four-wheeler leaving the scene at a high rate of speed and drove around the pit to catch up with the rider, who later was allegedly identified as Neacy.

Keating said as Greeley was trying to catch up to the ATV, he attained speeds of 110 mph. Keating said Greeley reduced his speed after spotting the ATV near the intersection of routes 141 and 139. When Greeley had the four-wheeler within sight, Keating said Greeley's pursuit speed was around 80 mph.

When the ATV reached the intersection, Greeley indicated that it appeared the driver was going to stop. The driver, said Keating, slowed, turned and looked at Greeley, who prepared to execute the stop.

But the chase continued. "It turns out [Neacy] was just downshifting, and he took off again," said Keating.

Keating said soon thereafter Greeley stopped the chase because he was concerned for public safety and he believed he could identify the driver.

Based on information Greeley gathered, the sheriff's department obtained a warrant for Neacy's arrest. He is slated to appear in court July 30 in Belfast.

Source: http://waldo.villagesoup.com/Government/story.cfm?storyID=161757

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“Once they chased our cow into a deep arroyo where it fell and broke its neck. I don't understand how anyone could think chasing livestock is fun.” As a result of the growing conflicts with off-roaders, the Gonzales family stopped their cattle ranching. It doesn't matter whether it is a plate or decal, what is important is that the identification is visible. The police could have tracked down the illegal riders if we had been able to photograph the IDs on their vehicles. I think that would have made them think twice before breaking the law.”

- Eleanor Gonzales, private property owner in Santé Fe County, NM