On Monday, November 2, 2026, at approximately 3 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about a dirt bike being operated on the Heritage Trail in the Town of Goshen. Responding deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 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 observed a 2026 Zhejiang S3-125 minibike motorcycle occupied by two individuals 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 under Orange County Local Law No. 13 of 2001. The deputies also noted that the operator was committing multiple violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
When the deputies attempted to stop the motorcycle, the operator, later identified as Naudis Mercedes Vasquez, failed to comply and continued traveling northwest along the trail toward Hartley Road. Additional deputies staged at the 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.
The operator and passenger subsequently abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot into a field behind TAM Enterprises off Hartley Road. Deputies engaged in a brief foot pursuit and issued verbal commands to the subjects, who complied and were taken into custody.
Mercedes-Vasquez, 19, of Middletown, was charged with Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, Resisting Arrest, Reckless Driving, and Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in the Third Degree. Additionally, he was issued 15 violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law related to his operation of the motorcycle. He was released on an
appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Goshen Justice Court at a later date.
Sheriff Arteta added, “The Heritage Trail belongs to the residents of Orange County, and everyone should be able to enjoy it safely. 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. Our residents raised these concerns, and our deputies took action. 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.”
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110 Wells Farm Road • Goshen, NY 10924 • P: 845-862-6399 • E: OCNYSheriff@OrangeCountyGov.com
