Chaos in Providence — Hundreds of ATVs and Dirt Bikes, Crash Investigation and Criticism of Elorza

Chaos in Providence — Hundreds of ATVs and Dirt Bikes, Crash Investigation and Criticism of Elorza

A beautiful fall Sunday in Providence was disrupted by hundreds of ATVs and dirt bikes racing through the city, a major accident and significant charges by the Providence FOP.

On Sunday afternoon hundreds of bikes raced through city neighborhoods — the South Side near Roger Williams Park, downtown and across to Federal Hill.

The Providence FOP slammed Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza in a tweet, “What is the Mayor doing about this? People on dirt bikes and ATVs have been riding around almost every day in Providence and it's the communities that are suffering and getting hurt.”

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A serious crash took place involving a police car.

Crash Victim Jhamal Gonsalves is in serious condition at Rhode Island Hospital.

His father Mark Gonsalves Sr. posted on social media at about 10:30 PM about his condition. 

“Jhamal Gonsalves is intubated as of right now he has some swelling and bleeding to the brain," he wrote. "He was unconscious upon arrival and was self induced due to being intubated. They are performing a procedure right now check whether or not there is pressure in his brain. If anyone witnessed what happen please voice record what you remember or write it down to keep records incase that info is needed in the future."

Most importantly please pray for him,” he added. 

And then he updated again about midnight, “Next update on my son Jhamal Gonsalves. The procedure went well to relieve some pressure from around his brain. In a few hours they will give him another cat scan to monitor whether or not there is any more and to assure that it remains stabilized.”

“It’s all under investigation right now,” Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements told GoLocal, of the incident, on Sunday night. Clements said police are reviewing video, and reconstructing the accident scene.

“This is the challenge we have with [off-road] vehicles,” said Clements.

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza issued a statement, “We had a terrible incident in our city tonight that left a young man severely injured— we hope he will make a full recovery. Our police are actively reviewing all video evidence, talking to witnesses, and recreating the scene. We will be doing a full investigation and will continue to communicate as the investigation unfolds."

Many Blame Elorza for City’s Illegal Bike Problem

On August 20, GoLocal reported that some members of the Providence City Council were calling on Elorza to revisit the city's “no chase” policy for police as it pertains to illegal ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets. 

The call came following a weekend which saw accidents send people to the hospital, after groups of over a hundred off-road vehicles roamed the city streets — and Rhode Island State Police arrested a rider after the hordes of drivers shut down the highway. 

“They come here because they know — it’s no secret — that Providence Police won’t pursue you and they know that and that’s why they ride in packs and terrorize the streets, and over this past weekend they even surrounded a police vehicle,” said Councilman Michael Correia. 

“The word is out. It’s going to continue. I don’t understand how the Rhode Island State Police were able to make an arrest on the highway — they went after the individual — but Providence can’t.  I don’t know the other cities and towns chase policy,” said Correia. 

On August 22, Rhode Island State Police received multiple calls about a night of chaos on interstate I-95 and I-195 caused by a gang of an estimated 40 ATVs, three-wheeled motorcycles and dirt bikes.

State Police made one arrest in the incidents that blocked roads and made highways dangerous for drivers. Video secured but GoLocal shows multiple near collisions on the highways.

According to the Rhode Island State Police Darel Martinez, age 22, of Providence was arrested for 1) Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, 2) Reckless Driving, 3) Disorderly Conduct, 4) Driving with a Suspended License Third or Subsequent Offense.

The arrest was the result of E-911 Calls for ATVs operating on the highway on Route 95 in the City of Providence. Martinez was transported to the Lincoln Woods Barracks for processing and held overnight pending morning arraignment as a bail violator.

The calls from motorists started pouring into the State Police after 10 PM and continued until after midnight — when there was an arrest.

According to Lt. Colonel Kevin Barry of the State Police the incidents included:

10:05 PM: Calls for approximately 50-60 ATVs, Motorcycles traveling on Route 95 South in the area of Smithfield Ave. Eventually located at Thurbers and Eddy before fleeing inbound toward Broad St. Providence PD advised.