Columbus isn’t exactly the wild West, but for some people, it’s beginning to bear a resemblance, as police have fielded hundreds of complaints about packs of off-road vehicles driving and drag racing on both sides of streets, driving on sidewalks, weaving in and out of traffic and speeding through neighborhoods, according to Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight.

It’s a big enough problem that Columbus police began last week cracking down on the vehicles, which some say are used as a result of frustration over pandemic restrictions.

Police impounded 11 all-terrain vehicles, including two that were stolen, and found six guns on individuals, including a gun possessed by a 14-year-old boy, Knight said. In July, a group of riders clipped a motorcyclist who went to the hospital with serious injuries.

“We’re addressing the ridiculous behavior, the lawlessness, the way they take over the roadways, the way they put people at risk,” she said. Among the ways the matter is being addressed is a new ordinance that outlaws reckless operation of the vehicles and includes a fine. It seems absurd that such a thing was necessary, or that assistant Columbus Police Chief LaShanna Potts had to remind people that even after being cooped up due to a pandemic, they still had to stick to legal activities.

Imagine if police did not have to waste their time on such nonsense. But, as it seems necessary, let us hope the crackdown results in harsh enough consequences that others regain their wits and return to using the vehicles for their intended purpose only.

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