NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a crash involving an ATV that collided with a building, injuring the rider on Sunday night.
Video evidence shows a red ATV hitting a railing outside Lamara Coffee and Kitchen in the 1300 block of Broad Street, throwing the driver onto the sidewalk. Witnesses described the incident as shocking, with shop owner Diane Heying stating that off-road vehicles speeding in the area has become a concerning trend.
“He could have had serious head trauma, so he’s lucky,” Heying said.
Authorities noted that ATVs are not meant for city streets and can lead to dangerous situations. The rider sustained serious injuries and was cited for multiple violations, including careless operation.
New Orleans City Councilman Eugene Green acknowledged the illegal activity and expressed intent to increase enforcement measures. “I want the law breakers to know that we’re going to engage the state and NOPD,” Green stated.
Residents, including Koia Brawley, emphasized the broader safety issues, highlighting a lack of pedestrian crosswalks and broken streetlights in the area. “It impacts our quality of life,” Brawley said.
Morgan Clevenger, president of the Fairgrounds-Triangle neighborhood association, suggested that urgent collaboration is needed to address these dangers. “We have to address this collectively and give it the urgency it requires,” Clevenger said.
The investigation is ongoing, with police reminding residents of the risks associated with illegal ATV use.