May 21, 2022 – CLEVELAND - The City of Cleveland, like urban centers across the United States, has seen an increase in illegal operation of off-road vehicles on city streets in recent years. The Cleveland Division of Police continues to partner with local and state law enforcement agencies to develop and implement strategies to end this illegal activity.
Earlier today, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted the Operation “Wheels Down” Cleveland traffic initiative in order to stop, cite and arrest illegal riders and seize the non-street-legal vehicles associated with the violations.
Resources including the Bureau of Traffic, the Aviation Unit, the Neighborhood Impact Community Engagement Unit, the Gang Impact Unit, and the Real Time Crime Center were utilized.
Today’s initiative resulted in 15 felony arrests, 30 citations and 15 confiscated vehicles. Two of the towed vehicles were recovered stolen ATVs. Two firearms were also recovered.
The City of Cleveland is aware that this illegal activity causes annoyance and alarm to our residents and puts citizens lives at risk. The City remains committed to ensuring that law enforcement has the resources necessary to continue to enforce laws and ensure safety on our streets and within our neighborhoods.
Citizens are encouraged to contact law enforcement to report illegal or suspicious activity.
In the event that you have information that could assist investigators in stopping the illegal operation of off-road vehicle riding, please call 9-1-1 in an emergency, 216-621-1234 in a non-emergency.
Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME and a cash reward may be available. When contacting law enforcement to report information connected to this activity, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible, including the name of the violator (if known), location and times activity is observed, and location of where vehicles associated with illegal riding are being stored.
With your help, investigators can continue to enact measures to stop the illegal operation of off-road vehicles on our roadways.
