NHPD's Quad Squad hits city streets

New Haven Police have what they call the quad squad to curb all-terrain vehicles causing problems on city streets.

So, is it effective?

Warm weather brings a smile to Gwen Edwards' face. She stopped by a New Haven park to play with the kids. But with warm weather comes a hot topic surrounding New Haven streets -- illegal ATV'S and dirt bikes.

"They'd rather be on the sidewalk. They'd rather run in front of the car," said Edwards. "They don't want to look at the stop sign. They don't want to look at the light, they just feel like the street is theirs."

Or even the park. Tire tracks scar what is supposed to be a grassy field in Fairmont Park. It looks like it once housed a "moto-cross" competition rather than be a place to play baseball. The problem blankets many parts of New Haven.

"They are not safe. They are really not," said Edwards. "I feel like, if the police do what they are supposed to do, take 'em off the street, I'd be much safer."

New Haven Police Department has created the "quad squad," a special unit targeting those illegally driving four-wheelers or dirt bikes. There are plenty of examples as to why this unit was created.

Last year, a 15-year old in Newhallville was killed when he ran a stop sign and crashed into a van. Last Thursday, police pursued a man from Fair Haven to Quinnipiac speeding on a quad; eventually arresting him after he hit a tree.

And on a community website, residents have posted pictures documenting the problem, asking police for help.

"One just zoomed by me and it's like, I got my music playin', and I hear a bike," said Edwards. "I just jumped, because they are loud; they are very, very, loud."

Just this past weekend, police seized two ATV's along with 10 dirt bikes. Edwards hopes that kind of enforcement continues so the only bikes on the street will be those with pedals rather than motors.

"They don't have no respect for others. They really don't with these bikes," said Edwards.

As far as pursuit goes, that is the last thing the police want to do. NHPD officials say the best method is to box someone in or grab them when they stop somewhere or when they go to fill up.