TROY N.Y. (NEWS10) -The Troy Police Department impounded multiple illegal recreational vehicles over several days. Most recently, a mini-bike was taken in and its driver arrested Wednesday night.
It was in the area of 7th Avenue that a 21-year-old was arrested and charged with vehicle, traffic, and City violations. Those charges include being an unlicensed operator, driving an unregistered vehicle, and not wearing a helmet. "That person faces up to a $650 fine and $2,350 impound fee to get the bike back. So we’re hoping that’s a deterrent," stated Chief Dan DeWolf.
The arrest happened because of a community tip and an active police presence. Mayor Carmella Mantello says dirt bikes riding up and down the streets and sidewalks of Troy are a public safety nightmare that puts everyone in danger.
"God forbid, one of your children are out playing and one of these dirt bikes ride by, fly by, at 40, 50 mph," said Mantello. "Rarely do I see somebody that’s dressed properly for riding a motorcycle or a dirt bike," added DeWolf.
Both Mantello and DeWolf are asking motorists to keep ATVs and dirt bikes on private property with enough open space to be safe. "They tend to be near many of our parks or swathes of open space and then travel in and out of our neighborhoods. Some literally will do wheelies going down 5th Ave," stated Mantello.
To help stop this, Mayor Mantello wants the community to speak up when they see dangerous activity. "Where they’re coming out of, where they might end up going into: what garage, what yard. Again, see something, say something."
NEWS10 also has an update on Alexa Kropf, the UAlbany student who was hit by an illegal dirt bike in the city of Albany. Her father, Jim Kropf, says she is now beginning to walk again.
"It’s the real basics. Something you really don’t think about. Starting with the walker and wheelchair to the walker, and holding on to somebody’s arm as she’s walking. Does it minimally by herself with somebody by her side. So cannot get up and go on her own," explained Jim.
Jim told NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski that the road ahead is still very long, as Alexa will be having more surgeries. Kropf says he’s pleased the City of Troy is also cracking down on illegal bikes. The driver of the dirt bike is facing 70 pages worth of charges.
