OHIO — Akron police say a recent joint operation targeted adults and juveniles illegally riding dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and motorcycles on city streets following ongoing complaints from residents in the Ellet and Derby Downs neighborhoods.
The operation, conducted last weekend, involved the Akron Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Springfield Police Department. Authorities said the coordinated effort was aimed at safely addressing a large planned gathering of stunt riders in the area.
Investigators used social media photos to identify key participants.
Arrests were made for individuals ranging in age from 15 to 33, facing charges that include street racing, willful fleeing, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to comply with a police signal, obstructing official business, resisting arrest, and operating without a license, along with other traffic violations.
“These offenses create a substantial risk of harm to our residents, and we’re committed to continuing to address this proactively,” Akron police said in a Facebook post. “A special thank you to the officers and detectives from the Patrol Division, Traffic Unit, Anti Violence Bureau, and SWAT.”
