'Reckless' Teenage Dirt Bike Rider Arrested After Running Amok On Popular Hiking Trail: Police

GOSHEN, NY — A teen is facing a slew of charges after making a dangerous nuisance of himself on a popular Orange County trail.

On Monday, at approximately 3 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff's Office received a complaint about a dirt bike being ridden on the Heritage Trail in the Town of Goshen. Responding deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.

On Tuesday, a deputy conducted a follow-up patrol of the Heritage Trail at the same time and location as the previous day's complaint. During this patrol, the deputy saw a 2026 Zhejiang S3-125 minibike motorcycle occupied by two people traveling against the designated direction of traffic on the trail between Six-and-One-Half Station Road and Hartley Road.

Operating a motorized vehicle on the Heritage Trail is prohibited by law. The deputies also noted that the operator was committing multiple violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, according to the sheriff's office.

When they attempted to stop the motorcycle, the reder, later identified as Naudis Mercedes-Vasquez, instead continued traveling northwest along the trail toward Hartley Road, according to the deputies.

Meanwhile other deputies staged at the trail's northwest access point on Hartley Road. Upon seeing the deputies, Mercedes-Vasquez turned around and fled in the opposite direction toward the initial responding deputies, according to the sherif's office.

The pair the abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot into a field behind TAM Enterprises off Hartley Road. deputies gave chase and engaged in a brief foot pursuit before the two complied and were taken into custody, according to the sheriff.

"The Heritage Trail belongs to the residents of Orange County, and everyone should be able to enjoy it safely," Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said. "Families, pedestrians, and cyclists should be able to enjoy the trail without being put at risk by the reckless actions of others. I have been clear and consistent in saying motorized vehicles have no place on the Heritage Trail, and this type of activity will not be tolerated."

Mercedes-Vasquez, 19, of Middletown, was charged with reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, reckless driving and fleeing a police officer. He was issued 15 traffic tickets. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Goshen Justice Court.

Arteta commended the deputies quick and effective response to the complaint from the community.

"Our residents raised these concerns, and our deputies took action," he said. "We will continue to listen to our community, address quality-of-life concerns, and take the necessary steps to protect public safety and preserve the trail for everyone to enjoy."