Atlantic City man charged in ATV accident that led to evacuation

An Atlantic City man has been charged after striking a gas meter, causing a street to be evacuated for hours Monday night.

Police responded to the first block of North Morris Avenue at 7:49 p.m. and were surprised by the smell of gas, Captain Kevin Fair said.

The street between Atlantic Avenue and Arctic Avenue was immediately evacuated.

Laron Wright, 31, drove his ATV into an alley and attempted to turn, the report said. He lost control and crashed into the parking meter and a parked vehicle, Fair said.

Fire Chief Scott Evans originally told BreakingAC that a main gas line had been hit.

South Jersey Gas arrived at the scene around 8:30 p.m. and shut off the gas supply, Evans said.

The police confiscated the off-road vehicle.

Wright was charged with negligently creating a risk of extensive injury/damage and disorderly conduct. He was released on a summons.

According to the documents, he also received several tickets for traffic violations, including failure to report an accident.

According to photographer Motii Viera, the ATV was brought to the area less than two hours before the accident (inset).