An illegal dirt bike activity in Baltimore, Maryland, resulted in an arrested suspect and two injured officers. Reportedly, a dirt bike struck one of them from behind, and a man allegedly bit the other one while being arrested.
As reported by The Baltimore Sun, citing Baltimore Police Department (BPD) charging documents, the incident occurred on Sunday, May 31. At around 2:30 a.m., a BPD detective was patrolling the Charles North neighborhood when he came across multiple dirt bikes.
The detective observed a man allegedly revving his engine against his patrol car at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Falls Road. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley detailed in a budget hearing that this is used as a taunt tactic, as police officers are prohibited from chasing dirt bikes.
The “taunting” continued, but was interrupted shortly after when the driver lost control of his bike and fell onto the pavement. The BPD detective, then, exited his marked patrol car with the intention of taking him into custody.
Biting and Crashing
The detective reportedly wrapped his arms around the suspect. As per the charging documents, he would then bring him to the ground in an effort to immobilize him.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Maurice Greene, allegedly began resisting arrest. He is accused of attempting to run away and jump back onto his dirt bike.
At that moment, other officers responded to the scene to provide backup. Among them was a female BPD officer, only identified by her last name, Vasquez.
Police Officers Injured
The struggle continued between the detective and the 30-year-old man. At one point, the suspect allegedly bit into the detective’s man, drawing blood.
At the same time, another dirt bike driver struck Officer Vasquez in the back, only to flee the scene immediately, the BPD said. She was hospitalized while the detective was treated at the scene.
Maurice Greene is charged with attempting to elude police, CBS News Baltimore reported. He also received seven citations in connection with the incident. The BPD has yet to identify and arrest the other suspect who allegedly struck Officer Vasquez.
Baltimore Dirt Bike Crackdown
As shared in a recent Facebook post, made hours before the incident described above, the BPD is currently increasing its efforts to fight back against illegal dirt bikes. The department detailed how no citizen is allowed to drive dirt bikes or other similar vehicles on any public or private property in Baltimore.
Reportedly, this stems from a fatal incident involving a 37-year-old man driving a dirt bike who was killed after being struck by an SUV. The SUV driver will not be charged, police have since detailed.
“Dirt bike culture is here, and it’s not going anywhere. This is why we say that you can’t be doing these things,” Commissioner Worley said.
Officer Vasquez has since been released from the hospital. She has yet to return to duty, as she is recovering.