HollyMatkinWashington, DC – A bicycle officer who fell while lunging from his bike to stop an illegal ATV rider is facing scrutiny over whether or not he violated the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) no-chase policy (video below).
An undated video of the incident was posted to Instagram on Monday, WTTG reported.
The video, which appeared to be made by one of the ATV riders, showed a pack of at least six ATVs traveling down a city street, while several police cruisers followed behind them.
An officer on a bicycle pulled closer to the ATVs, and a rider taunted and yelled obscenities at the officer.
The officer ultimately rode up behind one of the ATVs and leapt towards it, in a brave, but failed attempt to stop the rider.
According to MPD, the officer sustained minor injuries, WTTG reported.
“Minibikes, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and other motorized bikes and multi-wheeled vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians and other motorists and are illegal to operate on DC’s streets,” reported What’s New, a weekly MPD newsletter.
“Riders of ATVs and dirt bikes are openly breaking the law on DC streets … but MPD’s chase policy prohibits officers from pursuing the vehicles,” What’s New continued. “In fact, those familiar with the problem say that some riders come from other areas on stolen dirt bikes and ATVs because DC is known for its no-chase policy.”
According to WTTG, MDP is standing behind the officer’s actions, and said the no-chase policy was not violated in this incident.
“The illegal activity of the ATV riders consistently places the public in danger and exhibits immature behavior,” authorities told WTTG. “We have reviewed the video and will use the footage for investigative purposes surrounding the ATV riders.”
Investigators said they have received “countless tips” regarding the identities of the riders, but no arrests have been made.
Watch the MPD bicycle officer’s leap below: