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Dirt bikers causing havoc in York

YORK, Pa.– Dirt bikers are causing concern for residents in York. Several posts on Facebook talk about the riders harassing drivers and pedestrians. One m...

YORK, Pa.-- Dirt bikers are causing concern for residents in York. Several posts on Facebook talk about the riders harassing drivers and pedestrians. One man FOX43 spoke with said the riders destroyed a charity softball tournament.

On August 14th, the fields near Bob Hoffman Stadium were playing host to a charity softball tournament benefiting the Avery Marie Against AFLP group. Rod Dixon said the dirt bike riders came down and started causing trouble.

"They came down on their dirt bikes and threw up dust and stones," he said.

One of the people playing in the game was Billy Hagarman. He spoke with FOX43 on the phone and said the stones shot up and hit some of the people that were watching the games, which included men, women, and children.

It would get worse, Dixon said the dirt bikers rode right onto the field during a game.

"At this point, people started chasing them for what they had done and they managed to get two of the bikes down," Dixon said.

Hagarman said he got one of the riders off their bike. His foot was injured during the incident.

Police later arrived and said they should stop the tournament. For Dixon, it was hard to hear, the Avery Marie Against AFLP is named in memory for his granddaughter who died of the rare disease. The police said they should shut it all down because they feared the riders would return.

Dixon is not alone is seeing the riders going around town. John Beck works on West Market Street in the heart of the city. He said they cause concern there as well.

"Popping wheelies, flying by here as fast as they can go, just being extremely dangerous," he said.

While on South Sherman street, Stephanie Clutter said they scare her.

"As soon as they get in front of the houses, varoom, it kinds of makes you jump in your own house," she said.

As for Dixon, he said if this continues they may have to look at security for next year.

"That's sad when you need to have a charity event and you have to bring in security, but we want to make sure the people stay safe," Dixon said.

York Mayor Kim Bracey released this statement this afternoon:

"The York City Police Department made several arrests in response to the unlicensed dirt bikes, and ATV operators that have been riding their vehicles on city streets harassing pedestrians and motorists with more arrests expected. Charges have included motor vehicle violations, disorderly conduct, harassment and receiving stolen property. The operation of unlicensed motorized bikes, scooters, dirt bikes and ATV’s are illegal and when apprehended the individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law that is allowed. The Police thank the general public for calling 911 and reporting this illegal behavior and encourage them to continue to come forward to help us stop this activity. Mayor Bracey stated. “We will not tolerate this criminal behavior that threatens the quality of life for our city residents and our Police Officers will be vigilant in prosecuting the individuals responsible."

According to PennDOT, dirt bikes are street legal if the driver has a motorcycle license and the dirt bike is registered.

 

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