WILMINGTON, DE — A 24-year-old man faces multiple charges after Wilmington Police alleged he tried to flee from officers who approached him about an off-highway vehicle in the 1300 block of North French Street.
Police identified the man as Naz’aire Miller. The off-highway vehicle was seized pending further proceedings, according to investigators.
Members of the Wilmington Police Department’s Special Operations Division Traffic Unit began investigating Aug. 4 after receiving information about a person allegedly operating an off-highway vehicle illegally in the area of the 1300 block of North French Street.
At approximately 6:33 p.m. Aug. 6, officers located the vehicle in the same block and contacted its operator, police reported. Investigators alleged Miller initially attempted to flee before officers quickly took him into custody without further incident.
Police charged Miller with multiple offenses related to the off-highway vehicle. Authorities did not specify the individual charges.
Under Delaware law and Wilmington ordinances, off-highway vehicles — including dirt bikes and ATVs — generally cannot be operated on city streets, sidewalks or rights-of-way. Such vehicles must also be registered with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
Wilmington regulations additionally require off-highway vehicles possessed within the city to be securely locked or otherwise immobilized when they are not being lawfully used. Violations of the city ordinance can carry a $2,000 civil fine in addition to other applicable penalties.
Police are asking anyone with information about illegal off-highway vehicle activity, including where the vehicles are being operated or stored, to contact Cpl. Keith Johnson of the Special Operations Division Traffic Unit at 302-571-4415 or Keith.Johnson@cj.state.de.us.
Information can also be provided to Wilmington Police at 302-654-5151 or through the department’s crime tip hotline at 302-576-3990. Callers may remain anonymous.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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