Watch: DC police destroy dozens of illegal ATVs, dirt bikes

On Saturday, July 15, 2017, a total of 62 off road vehicles were destroyed at a contractor’s lot in Capitol Heights, Maryland, producing 14,180 pounds of recyclable metal.(D.C. police/YouTube)

WASHINGTON — It was a different kind of demolition derby.

D.C. police destroyed dozens of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes at a contractor’s lot in Capitol Heights, Maryland, on Saturday, authorities said in a news release.

A total of 62 off-road vehicles were crushed. The result was 14,180 pounds of recyclable metal.

“We hope those who illegally and recklessly operate these vehicles will see this as a symbolic gesture that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated in the District of Columbia,” Police Chief Peter Newsham said in the release.

“The community is fed up with this behavior. As long as they continue endangering the lives of everyone on our streets, MPD will continue confiscating and destroying these vehicles.”

Watch video below:

According to police, the vehicles were left abandoned in public spaces or seized for their involvement in criminal activities. And they were either unregistered or their owners failed to claim them.

Individuals who are able to provide information that leads to the recovery of an ATV that is being used on public space, could be eligible for a Bonus to Phone Us: Off Road reward of $250.

Anyone who has information regarding this case should call police at 202-727-9099. Information may also be submitted to the TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.

Will Vitka

William Vitka is a Digital Writer/Editor for WTOP.com. He's been in the news industry for over a decade. Before joining WTOP, he worked for CBS News, Stuff Magazine, The New York Post and wrote a variety of books—about a dozen of them, with more to come.

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