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LAPLACE — The St. John Sheriff’s Office reports it is receiving calls from citizens complaining about people recklessly driving four-wheelers in neighborhoods on the east and west banks of St. John Parish. SJSO recently posted a video showing an example of what officers sometimes encounter. The rider of the four-wheeler is seen passing up a motor vehicle on a four lane highway.

  “In some incidents, drivers committing these reckless acts are terrorizing our citizens,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “We are going to enforce the law. We want to keep all of our citizens safe.”

   Contributing to this problem, Sheriff Tregre said, is that ATV drivers sometimes gather quickly and travel more erratically when they know police are nearby. Often, they evade law enforcement, which poses a risk to the riders as well as other motorists.

  Sheriff Mike Tregre reminds residents that operating all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles on public roadways is illegal. Residents caught operating any of these vehicles on public roadways may be issued a citation. The vehicle also may be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense. To date, 10 four-wheelers and a dirt bike have been seized.

The St. John Sheriff’s Office makes the safety of our community a top priority. While medical personnel is focused on the COVID-19 crisis, it is important for all to help the police keep the community safe.