Father charged after 4-year-old crashes ATV

Written by Morning Sun

Friday, July 24, 2009

BATH, N.Y. – A father was issued a pair of traffic tickets after his 4-year-old son rolled an all-terrain vehicle and injured the child's brother last Sunday evening.

Steuben County Sheriff’s deputies charged Darcie Oplinger, 37, with allowing an ATV to be operated while unregistered and for improper supervision of a juvenile.

Deputies said Oplinger allowed his 4-year-old son to operate a full-size ATV in the side yard of his home. While the child was driving it, he hit the side of a parked car trailer on which his 7-year-old brother was standing, causing the 7-year-old to fall and strike his head on the tongue of the trailer.

The older child was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a cut to his head. After striking the trailer, the ATV rolled onto its side, but the 4-year-old was not injured.

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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