Video: State trooper harassed by bikers; local officials call on state for more resources to investigate

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New York State Police are trying to identify up to 40 people seen in an online video surrounding a state trooper on Route 9D in Wappingers Falls, stealing his hat and trying to steal his cruiser. "We're actively investigating the missing Stetson," Lt. Charles Harkleroad, of the New York State Bureau of Investigation said Monday. NYSP officials said the trooper responded Sunday afternoon to people erratically driving dirt bikes and motorcycles near Village Hall. The video shows that as the trooper tried to help a biker who had just crashed, the other bikers harassed him, continuing to drive on sidewalks and yards, shouting profanities and revving their engines. "There have been some people in the area who have been helpful," Lt. Harkleroad said, "but again, we're asking anyone and everyone who was in the area at that time who has any information to contact us at Troop K headquarters." After viewing the video, painting contractor Matthew Guagliardo, who was working nearby, said he often sees bikers harassing other drivers in Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park and Fishkill. "Just wheelying up the streets," he said. "It seems like it's overwhelming for the cops because there are so many of them." Some town and state officials gathered for a press conference at Wappinger Town Hall Monday to collectively call for more leeway from the state for officers to pursue reckless drivers and more resources to investigate these incidents. "What we saw yesterday has brought it to another level," said State senator and former police officer Rob Rolison. "If these types of individuals who are driving these vehicles recklessly are going to confront a New York State trooper in the way that they did, what are they going to do to a regular motorist? Think about that." Assemblyman AJ Beephan just sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul regarding the incident. He asked her to move forward with a statewide mask ban in public places. Almost everyone involved in Sunday's incident had masks on, which is making it more difficult for police to identify them. Another lawmaker, Assemblyman AJ Beephan – who represents this area – just wrote to the governor. He's asking her to move forward with a statewide mask ban in public places. Almost everyone involved in this incident had masks on, which is making it difficult to identify them. "