(Bear, DE 19701) Last Tuesday (Sept 21), patrol officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the area of Westbridge Road in the community of Porter Square for the report of a subject riding an ATV on the roadway and harassing neighbors.

Multiple members of the community were contacted, and the owner of the ATV was identified as 35-year-old, Darrell Silva. The officers also obtained sufficient evidence to swear to an arrest warrant in addition to a search warrant for Silva’s residence.  From the search warrant, an ATV was located in Silva’s garage and subsequently impounded.

Silva was also taken into custody and transported to police headquarters.  There he was charged with one count of misdemeanor Harassment, one count of misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct and two traffic violations Operating an Unregistered Off-Highway Vehicle, and Illegal Operation of an Off-Highway Vehicle.

He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $602 unsecured bail.

 The New Castle County Division of Police reminds residents that Delaware law prohibits the operation of OHVs/ATVs on public roadways, sidewalks, private property (without the consent of the property owner), or right-of-way locations within the State of Delaware. The only exception to this law is during special events, which require permits from the governmental body having jurisdiction over the area.

Please contact the New Castle County Division of Police if you observe an OHV/ATV operating on any of the above-listed areas.

This can be done by calling the non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800. You will be asked to provide a description of the OHV/ATV, operator, and location.

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