A youth was ticketed and an all-terrain vehicle was seized following an investigation by RCMP in Harbour Grace on July 26, 2021.
At approximately 10:00 p.m., officers were in Victoria responding to reports of dangerous ATV operations in the community. While on patrol, police observed a youth operating an ATV on the roadway. Officers activated emergency equipment and attempted a traffic stop. The youth repeatedly drove by the police vehicle on the ATV, waving at the officer and refused to stop. The ATV operator was identified and in the interest of public safety, officers did not initiate a pursuit. Police later attended the residence of the youth, located and spoke with the parents and seized the ATV. A number of tickets were issued under the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act, one of which was for operating an ATV in a dangerous manner.
In 2020, seventeen people died during off road vehicle incidents in areas patrolled by RCMP NL.
With recent increased reports of illegal ATV operation in the area, Harbour Grace RCMP warns the public of continued enforcement efforts, including criminal charges where appropriate, and ATV seizures.