By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer assigned to the Traffic Bureau last Friday was passed on Washington St. by a motorcycle that had no registration plate displayed. The officer made a U-turn and followed the motorcycle, activating the cruiser’s blue lights and siren.

The motorcycle reportedly slowed to a near halt near Joy St., but failed to fully stop. According to reports the operator of the motorcycle, later identified as Daniel Carmenatty, 24, of Everett, looked back at the officer then accelerated away, towards Charlestown.

Carmenatty reportedly pushed the cycle upwards of 60 mph in an apparent attempt to elude the pursuing officer. Police reports indicate that Carmenatty entered the bicycle lane at times as the officer maintained pursuit.

The pursuing officer attempted to catch up with Carmenatty in hopes of blocking him from getting away. Carmenatty made a sudden maneuver in traffic that resulted in his striking the rear end of a vehicle that was also proceeding down Washington St., police said. The front of the motorcycle reportedly shattered into pieces, some of which struck the police cruiser.

The pursuing officer stopped and exited his vehicle in order to detain Carmenatty, who appeared to be preparing to get away on foot, according to reports. As soon as the officer approached Carmenatty he reportedly fell to his knees and raised his hands in surrender.

After securing Carmenatty, the officer called for back up and then inspected the motorcycle’s registration plate area. It was reportedly determined that the plate had been purposely covered in order to evade recognition by authorities. It was further determined that Carmenatty was not the actual owner of the motorcycle.

A RMV inquiry turned up a revoked status for a class D, with no Motorcycle permit or license ever issued to Carmenatty. After refusing medical treatment for possible injuries, he was subsequently placed under arrest on charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, violation of city ordinance possession of a dangerous weapon, and operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Additionally, the owner of the motorcycle was reportedly issued a citation.