The incident happened on Tuesday at 6 pm on Broad Street, just one block south of Washington Avenue.
The video shows an ATV driver assaulting a driver and then running back to his ATV to retrieve a gun. Someone asked the sniper to lower him. He did, but continued to terrorize the victim with the help of the rest of the group.
The altercation would have started when a group of ATV riders stopped in traffic, causing the vehicle behind them to hit one of the bikes.
According to the police report, the victim got out of the vehicle to check if the motorcycle driver was injured. The man on the bicycle became hostile and demanded payment for damages.
The other motorcycles surrounded the victim’s car as the motorcycle operator began to assault him. The victim managed to get back to the vehicle and lock the doors.
However, the attack continued. ATV pilots surrounded the vehicle throwing concrete blocks and rubbish, seriously damaging the car.
On Thursday night, police said they had taken the suspect into custody. He was not formally charged.
“Like most, I was shocked and disgusted by the total illegality I saw in that video,” said police commissioner Danielle Outlaw. “The responsible individual is in custody and I want to thank our detectives for their quick work on identifying the suspect. I also want a speedy and total recovery for the victims of this senseless attack.”
The 25-year-old victim suffered minor injuries.
“I don’t like anything. It’s disgusting,” said Charlotte Haley, of northern Philadelphia. “If you’re going to ride a dirty bike, go somewhere at Fairmount Park.”
Parrie Brooks, of East Falls, agrees, saying, “The noise level is scary for an elderly citizen.”
Owning ATVs and dirty motorbikes is cool, but driving them on city streets is illegal.
The Philadelphia police have a policy that they cannot prosecute unless there is a major threat to the public.
Traffic fines with heavy fines and confiscation of vehicles are the current penalties, officials say.
The City released this statement on Thursday that says:
“The safety of pedestrians and drivers is paramount, and our administration takes this issue very seriously. Dirty bikes and ATVs are illegal to operate on the streets of Philadelphia. Operators can be fined and vehicles confiscated. Anyone who observes this type of activity or have information about planned trips, you are encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS.The police have successfully confiscated a significant number of motorcycles, ATVs and scooters as part of its efforts to reduce this illegal activity and will continue to do so. “
Copyright © 2021 WPVI-TV. All rights reserved.