Armed ATV driver terrorizes South Philadelphia motorist on Broad Street

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Police in Philadelphia have made an arrest after video shows a violent encounter with a motorist earlier this week.

The incident happened at 6 p.m. Tuesday on Broad Street, one block south of Washington Avenue.

The video shows an ATV driver attacking a motorist, then returning to his ATV to retrieve a gun. Someone urged the gunman to shoot him. He did so but continued to terrorize the victim with the help of the rest of the group.

The altercation allegedly started when a group of ATV riders pulled up short in traffic, causing the vehicle behind them to collide with one of the motorcycles.

According to a police report, the victim got out of his vehicle to see if the driver of the motorcycle was injured. The male on the bike became hostile and demanded payment of damages.

The other motorcycles surrounded the victim’s car as the driver of the motorcycle began to assault him. The victim was able to get back into his vehicle and lock the doors.

However, the assault continued. ATV riders surrounded the vehicle, throwing cinder blocks and trash, severely damaging the car.

On Thursday evening, police said they had taken the suspect into custody. He has not been formally charged.

“Like most people, I was both shocked and sickened by the total anarchy I saw in this video,” Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. “The responsible individual is in custody, and I would like to thank our detectives for their swift work in identifying the suspect. I also wish a speedy and full recovery to the victims of this senseless assault.”

The 25-year-old victim suffered minor injuries.

“I don’t like it at all. It’s disgusting,” said Charlotte Haley of North Philadelphia. “If you’re going to go mountain biking, do it somewhere in Fairmount Park.”

Parrie Brooks of East Falls agrees, saying “The noise level is scary for an elderly person.”

Owning ATVs and dirt bikes is legal, but riding them on city streets is illegal.

The Philadelphia Police have a policy that they cannot follow through unless there is a major threat to the public.

Traffic tickets with hefty fines and vehicle confiscation are the current penalties, officials said.

The mayor’s office released the statement on Thursday which reads:
“The safety of pedestrians and motorists is paramount, and our administration takes this issue very seriously. It is forbidden to use the streets of Philadelphia for off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Information regarding planned ‘rides’ is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS. Police successfully confiscated a significant number of off-road motorcycles, ATVs and scooters as part of curbing this illegal activity and will continue to do so. “