North Port police to crack down on illegal ATV use

Jul. 23--After a child was hurt in a crash involving the illegal use of an off-road vehicle, the North Port Police Department is planning an operation targeting illegal all-terrain vehicle use in the city this weekend.

According to police, an ATV and truck were involved in a crash Sunday at Yorkshire and Shortleaf drives. The ATV driver was charged with failure to register a motor vehicle, no insurance and driving with a suspended license with knowledge during a crash involving serious bodily injury. The driver's 10-year-old passenger, who was thrown from the ATV in the crash, is expected to make a full recovery.

Police announced an enforcement detail in the eastern part of the city July 26-28. Officers will be taking a zero-tolerance stance to violations. The area is popular with ATV users, police said.

"Just because people frequent the area, does not mean it is legal," police said in a Twitter post. ATV users not only put themselves at risk, but also endanger people traveling legally and safely on the roads. Police said ATV users should find another area that is designed for riding and legal to use.

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