Syracuse Police ATV Detail nab two illegal vehicles on street, promote safety during ride along

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Syracuse police making a small dent in a major neighborhood nuisance, yanking two illegal bikes off the streets and ticketing three people.

A special police detail working to shut down loud and dangerous vehicles.

“The public is sick of seeing the four-wheelers, dirt bikes and pit bikes riding through the neighborhood irresponsibly,” said Syracuse Police Sergeant, Tom Blake.

Tuesday, May 21, was the second time the illegal ATV and dirt bike detail has patrolled the city this year, and as NewsChannel 9 found out, sometimes it can be a family affair.

“Mom was out riding. She was taking her son out for a ride here on the dirt bike. She was on the motorcycle,” Blake explained. “They were observed by someone in an elevated position operating the illegal dirt bike.”

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It’s not just ATVs and dirt bikes that the ATV detail is looking for. It’s also minibikes.

“They go through people’s lawns, they drive through golf courses, they just destroy property,” said Sgt. Blake.

Depending on the circumstances, those who get caught, get a traffic ticket, court appearance ticket, or could get arrested with their vehicle towed.

One parent’s son was caught on a mini-bike and was let off with a warning. He wasn’t happy, the bike got towed.

“You gotta take my bike that I paid money out of my pocket for?” the parent asked. “He’s not supposed to be riding it on the road,” Blake answered.

“Kid can’t have fun,” the parent asked. “He can have fun but not on the road,” Blake said.
“Where you taking it to?” asked the parent. “We’re going to tow it and we will let you know where it goes,” Blake answered.

That’s a $2,000 fine to get it back. Sgt. Blake says that part of the punishment is the biggest deterrent.

“When you combine anything with two wheels or anything small on four wheels with that type of mindset that nothing is going to happen to me, I can drive however I want, it’s a recipe for disaster,” Blake said.

A disaster that can be prevented by following the rules of the road.

You can report any illegal ATV’s or dirt bikes to the SPD at 315-442-5200 or email ATVTips@SyracusePolice.org.

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