New Haven police have arrested the 20-year-old man who they say tried to drive his dirt bike over a police cruiser.
Benjamin Jenkins, of 595 Sherman Parkway in New Haven, is facing a string of charges, including motor vehicle violations and possession of marijuana after police found a bag on his person while searching him.
Police said they spotted Jenkins the afternoon of Oct. 15 riding his dirt bike in the area of Sherman Avenue and Elm Street. Officers blocked his path with their cruiser, and Jenkins appeared to cut the engine to his bike.
When the responding officers started getting out of the car, Jenkins revved the engine again and charged at the police car. Police said the bike’s front tire started climbing the side of the car, trapping an officer inside. But the officer forced the door open, causing Jenkins and the bike to fall to the ground.
Police said Jenkins tried to get away but officers caught up to him and pulled off his mask. While searching him, they found a bag of marijuana.
Jenkins was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, failure to obey an officer, interfering with police, possession of marijuana, operating without a license, operating without insurance and operating an unregistered vehicle.
Police said they have taken the dirt bike into custody.
