ATV Collision with Police Vehicle Caught on dash cam video.
The Dramatic Crash: On a sunny Sunday afternoon, New Haven police officers were patrolling the city, specifically addressing ongoing complaints about riders illegally operating ATVs and dirt bikes in the area. Their attention was drawn to East Rock Park, where a group of people had congregated. The officers decided to use Farnam Drive, a road that had been closed to vehicular traffic since 2020, to access the park1.
As they drove up the road, the officers noticed a large number of pedestrians, including families with children, in the vicinity. Simultaneously, an ATV was hurtling down the same road at an alarming speed, directly toward the pedestrians. Realizing the imminent danger, the officers took swift action. They slowed down their police cruiser and angled it to protect the families and pedestrians they had just passed, creating space for the oncoming ATV to pass safely. a quick thinking and an amazing move by the officer.
The Impact: However, fate took a tragic turn. The ATV rider lost control of their vehicle, careening into the front passenger side window of the police cruiser. The officers immediately called for medical assistance, and the injured rider was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
The New Haven Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team arrived at the scene to investigate the collision. Chief Karl Jacobson emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is an unfortunate and stark reminder of the extreme dangers of illegal ATV and dirt bike riding on city streets, both for pedestrians and the operators of the vehicles themselves.” He praised the officers for their potentially life-saving maneuver to protect the family in harm’s way but expressed sadness over the rider’s injuries. Chief Jacobson urged the public not to engage in such risky activities.
The incident underscores the hazards associated with illegal ATV and dirt bike riding in urban areas. These vehicles, designed for off-road use, pose significant risks when operated on city streets. Not only do riders endanger themselves, but they also jeopardize the safety of pedestrians and other motorists. The collision serves as a reminder of the need for responsible behavior and adherence to traffic rules.
This image shows the damage to the police cruise that the ATV caused.
In response to criticism, Chief Jacobson defended the officer’s actions, noting that the cruiser’s lights were activated, and the officer was not speeding at the time of the crash. He emphasized that the police officers had engaged in a potentially life-saving maneuver to protect the family in harm’s way. New Haven authorities plan to increase patrols in the area to ensure pedestrian safety and prevent similar accidents in the future. Additionally, the ATV rider will face charges for operating a motor vehicle in a prohibited zone.
In summary, the collision between the ATV and the police cruiser highlights the delicate balance law enforcement officers face—protecting the public while minimizing harm to all parties involved. As investigations continue, we hope for the rider’s complete recovery and encourage everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Remember, whether on an ATV or any other vehicle, responsible and legal operation is crucial for the well-being of all community members.
