AHOSKIE – What started as an apparent joy ride on an all terrain vehicle (ATV) ended in the arrest of a fugitive here Saturday.

Durrell Richard Bowers, 24, of Franklin, Va. is being held on a fugitive warrant (without bail) in the Hertford County Jail after being nabbed by Ahoskie Police Officer Ty Metzler following a short foot chase.

Bowers, formerly of the Ahoskie area, has an outstanding fugitive warrant on file in Durham. A further background check revealed he was wanted by New York authorities for a parole violation.

Following his capture, Bowers faced local charges of speeding to elude arrest and no operator’s license.

His arrest actually stemmed from a list of complaints from Ahoskie citizens concerning individuals riding ATV’s on town streets as well as in the area of the Ahoskie Recreation Center.

&uot;Our officers had been alerted to these complaints and were keeping a close eye on those who were operating these ATV’s in an illegal manner,&uot; said Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh.

On Saturday, Metzler, while on routine patrol, spotted an ATV in operation in the Pembroke-Memorial Drive area. Fitzhugh said Metzler’s report showed he activated the blue light and siren on the squad car, but the ATV sped away.

&uot;Officer Metzler was able to cut the rider off before the ATV reached a wooded area,&uot; Fitzhugh said.

At that time, the suspect, later identified as Bowers, ran towards the woods, but Metzler was able to overtake him and make the arrest.

&uot;This arrest was linked to the number of complaints we had received concerning ATV’s on town streets,&uot; Chief Fitzhugh noted. &uot;We will continue to remain diligent in this effort. ATV’s can be used in an enjoyable fashion, but only where they are able to be operated legally and where the operator has permission to ride.&uot;