ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A neighborhood in Atlantic City was evacuated on the evening of August 26, 2024, after an ATV rider struck a gas meter, causing a hazardous gas leak. The incident, which occurred on the first block of North Morris Avenue, led to the arrest of the rider, Laron Wright, 31, of Atlantic City.
Around 7:49 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of an ATV collision. Upon arriving at the scene, they detected a strong odor of natural gas, prompting an immediate evacuation of nearby residents. The Atlantic City Fire Department and South Jersey Gas were called in to address the leak and secure the area.
The investigation revealed that Wright had been navigating an alleyway when he lost control of his ATV, striking both a gas meter and a parked vehicle. The collision resulted in a gas leak that took nearly two hours to mitigate, during which time residents were unable to return to their homes.
Wright was arrested on the scene, and his ATV was confiscated. He has been charged with recklessly creating the risk of widespread injury or damage, as well as disorderly conduct. Wright was released on a summons and is expected to appear in court at a later date.
