By Joanna Putman
Police1
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia sergeant thanked a good Samaritan for stopping a man who tried to flee on his dirt bike after hitting the officer with it, NBC Philadelphia reported.
The Philadelphia Highway Patrol sergeant sustained injuries after being struck by an illegal dirt bike at a neighborhood intersection, according to the report. The Nov. 6 incident occurred as the sergeant was riding his patrol motorcycle.
The 22-year-old dirt bike rider, allegedly speeding and running a stop sign, collided with the officer, according to the report. Both riders were thrown from their bikes, and the sergeant suffered injuries to his left side and ankle, requiring hospital treatment.
Following the crash, the dirt bike operator attempted to flee but was stopped by local resident Anthony Wade, who intervened and kept him from fleeing the scene.
“He got the bike started and the cop said, ‘Don’t let him go.’ And he tried to take off, and I ripped him off the bike and pulled him down to the ground,” Wade told WPVI.
The sergeant was able to get back up and help Wade subdue the dirt bike rider until other officers arrived.
“Just doing my part, that’s all,” Wade told NBC Philadelphia. “I’m one of those neighbors — that you know — if you need help, I’m there.”
The dirt bike, which lacked proper lights, turn signals and a license plate, was confiscated by police, who noted it was designed for off-road use only, according to the report.
“The neighbor did a great job, clearly a brave man,” Philadelphia Police Inspector Scott Small said.
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