Town of Salina, N.Y – About 50 motorcycles and dirt bikes blocked police cars this weekend on Onondaga Lake Parkway while officers tried to search for a person who was seen fleeing a motorcycle crash.
Deputies responded at 9:26 p.m. Saturday to reports of a large group of motorcycles driving recklessly on the parkway, said Sgt. Jon Seeber, a spokesman for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies saw a headlight and movement behind a tree while they searched near the train tracks, Seeber said. Deputies saw a damaged motorcycle and observed a person fleeing, he said.
More deputies arrived to help find the person but their cars were surrounded by the 50 or more motorcyclists and dirt bikers, Seeber said.
The riders were acting aggressively toward the deputies and were doing “burnouts” and “wheelies” in the middle of the road, he said.’
Several of the riders left the road and began circling the deputies who were standing in the grass to the side of the street, Seeber said. One motorcyclist kicked the side of a deputy’s patrol car and caused serious damage, Seeber said.
Seeber said no tickets were issued at this time because they sped off. The encounter is still under investigation, he said.
The person who officers believe fled the scene was located with the help of Syracuse Police K-9, he said. The subject was a 39-year-old homeless man, who denied being the operator of the damaged motorcycle, he said.
The man was found soaking wet and said he jumped into the lake after hearing the motorcycles believing the sounds were gunshots, Seeber said. He said he was scared so he swam for a bit before getting out of the water and hiding where he was found. The man was taken to a homeless shelter.
The damaged motorcycle was towed and determined to be unregistered and uninsured.
If you have seen a large group of bikers on motorcycles and dirt bikes acting recklessly we would like to hear from you. Please contact us at (315) 313-2878. If you have a photo or video of one of these groups please send them to ahayes@syracuse.com.
Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.