ATV smacks into police car

A nighttime joyride on an ATV in downtown Hanford early Saturday morning ended in the arrests of two local men.

At about 3 a.m., police responded to reports of a quad zooming around in the area of Lorita Way and Douty Street. Ronnie Riso, 20, of Hanford, was operating the ATV with passenger Corey Pruitt, 20, of Lemoore on the back.

Riso was headed westbound on Lorita when he smacked into the front of a police car that had arrived to investigate.

Riso and Pruitt went flying. The patrol car received minor to moderate damage to the front bumper, according to police reports.

Both ATV riders complained of knee pain and abrasions. It’s unclear how badly damaged the ATV was.

At the time of the accident, Riso did not have the ATV’s lights on, according to Officer Mark Carillo of the Hanford Police Department. Riso and Pruitt were found to be intoxicated and were charged. In Riso’s case, the allegation is felony driving under the influence.

The felony charge kicks in when the alleged DUI driver has a passenger who is injured in the accident, Carillo said.

Pruitt was cited for public intoxication.

It was illegal for Riso to operate the quad on city streets. Such vehicles are designated for off-highway use.

“We see quite a few of these (cases) in residential areas,” Carillo said.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2432. (Oct. 11, 2009)