An arrest has been made in connection to a large scale ATV/dirt bike ride that took place in several communities on July 18. During that incident, hundreds of dirt bike/ATV operators converged on several communities operating recklessly while disobeying traffic laws and officer’s signals to stop. Many of these activities were documented on social media and once we reached out to the public for assistance, tips came pouring in.

One of the tips received involved a dirt bike operator seen on dash camera blocking and taunting officers at the intersection of Hemingway Avenue and Saltonstall Parkway. In the video, an individual on a dirt bike pulls up to officers and blocks their cruisers while a large group of riders drive by yelling obscenities.

The dirt bike operator, later identified as Yomar Rivera, 29, of Crest Avenue, East Haven, is seen on a blue and white dirt bike with a “Monster” decal while wearing a black and white mask, white T-shirt, jeans, and distinct female Air Jordan 1 “NC to Chi” sneakers. As officers approach him, he taunts them while staying just out of reach before proceeding east bound on Saltonstall Parkway into Branford.

Through the investigation, Rivera’s identity was learned by his own public posts on social media, where images of him on the same dirt bike while wearing some of the same things were discovered. After an arrest warrant was issued, Rivera was taken into custody. He was transported to the East Haven Police Department where he was processed.

Rivera was charged with reckless endangerment in the second degree, reckless driving, breach of peace in the second degree, interfering with police, and disobeying the signal of an officer. Rivera was additionally charged with illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle when he was found to be in possession of brass knuckles when he was taken into custody.

Rivera was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to face a judge on Sept. 22 at G.A. 23, 121 Elm Street, New Haven.

Please note that this is still an active investigation and we are still actively identifying participants in this ride, many of whom were not wearing face coverings. More arrests are expected. Anyone with information regarding the identity of any of the riders who took part in the July 18th ride is urged to contact us at 203-468-3820.