A Brownington resident told the selectboard that underage youths on dirt bikes are driving recklessly through town, disturbing Amish horse-drawn buggies and posing a safety risk. Andre Monette said the riders lack licenses, license plates, and likely insurance, and that efforts to speak with their families have not resolved the issue.
Orleans County Deputy Sheriff David Garces attended the selectboard meeting and advised residents to call law enforcement each time an incident occurs. He said pictures and video evidence are helpful but that police cannot require witnesses to obtain them. Selectboard member Glodgett agreed that video can bolster a witness account against claims of denial.
Garces suggested the selectboard authorize a saturation patrol, in which he and two other deputies would converge on Brownington during peak hours between 6 and 8 p.m. He noted similar problems exist in other towns, such as Holland.
NEK will be looking into whether saturation patrols have been used in other Orleans County towns and what data exists on underage riding complaints.
Originally reported by Newport Daily Express.
Photo: Jay Brand via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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