Sandy MaloneBrooklyn, NY – An New York Police Department (NYPD) officer has been suspended after a video of her in full uniform, without a helmet, riding on the back of an illegal dirt bike in Brooklyn surfaced on social media.
Police sources told the New York Post that NYPD Officer Donna Scott was suspended without pay on Sunday evening after video of the antics surfaced on Instagram.
NYPD records showed that Officer Scott joined the police force in April of 2019 and is assigned to the 83rd Precinct.
The incident occurred at an illegal road rally on Banker Street in Greenpoint over the weekend and happened just days after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio promised a crackdown on the illegal dirt bikes and ATVs that have been terrorizing city residents, the New York Post reported.
De Blasio told reporters that NYPD was “doing the most aggressive thing possible” at a ceremony held to celebrate crushing the illegal dirt bikes and ATVs that have so far been confiscated.
We have a message for anyone driving an illegal dirt bike in New York City:
We’re gonna crush it. pic.twitter.com/kkdRY557J8
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) September 17, 2021
If you’re thinking about riding a dirt bike or ATV on NYC streets or sidewalks — think again!
NYPD cops are out there keeping your neighborhoods safe for all NYers.
If you have any information about where illegal bikes or ATVs are being used or stored, call 800-577-TIPS pic.twitter.com/wW9muOgScc
— NYPD 94th Precinct (@NYPD94Pct) September 14, 2021
NYPD announced Officer Scott’s suspension on Sept. 19, the New York Post reported.
The driver of the dirt bike the officer was filmed riding took to Instagram to defend her actions.
“I want to start by saying I have nothing but respect for the NYPD officer who took the time to break the ice by showing love to all of the bikers at a LEGAL event. All roads were blocked off and we had the proper permits to ride,” the post began.
“Usually cops and bikers don’t mix, but she actually took the time to get to know us and get a better understanding of the culture. The smile on her face says it all,” he continued. “This was a huge first step to bridging the gap between us. To the officer who took her time out to understand, thank you on behalf of the entire bike life community.”
“Secondly, I would like the city of New York to know that I am a professional and my bike is Legal for stunt events,” he wrote. “Furthermore, lets put our minds together and come up with a plan to create a space or track for the NYC bike community.”
However, an NYPD spokeswoman told the New York Post that the no permit had been issued for the event.
An NYPD source told The Police Tribune that he was very unhappy when he saw what the officer had been up to over the weekend, but that he thought a suspension was a little rough.
That said, her actions flew in the face of what the mayor had just promised the entire city, he said.
“She should know that there’s a problem with these bikes, day-in and day-out,” he said sounding frustrated. “And then she goes on jumps on the back for a little joyride in front of countless people.”
“She embarrassed the mayor. She embarrassed a lot of people,” the officer told The Police Tribune.
Holly Matkin
