CMPD cracks down on reckless bike groups accused of multiple crimes around uptown

CHARLOTTE — A man told Channel 9 that he was assaulted by dangerous bicyclists who have been wreaking havoc in the Queen City.

Reckless bicyclists popping wheelies, weaving in and out of traffic, and dodging close calls with cars -- those are some of the big complaints Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they receive in uptown.

Police said the groups can be dangerous to innocent drivers and pedestrians. CMPD said they’re some of the same teens whose actions forced one man to walk with a limp.

He didn’t want to be identified, but the victim told Channel 9 that he is still rattled from the attack in March. He said he clipped a bicyclist as he turned a corner off of Parkwood Avenue in Villa Heights. But when he stopped to check on him, he said four of them circled him, beat him, and stole his wallet and car.

“I fell, I got jumped and that’s when they took my keys, my wallet, my phone, and my car,” the man said. “Nobody should be getting hurt.”

He bears a scar because of the bikers, as well as a broken patella that required surgery after the attack.

“I wish I would have never checked on them,” the man said.

CMPD said the regret is actually advice everyone should take.

“The best piece of advice I can give to anyone who encounters the group is to continue to drive, dial 911,” said Sgt. Calvin Belle, who helps lead CMPD operations that target these dangerous bike groups.

Over the years, Channel 9 Skyzoom has captured the groups from above, some of them riding bikes, illegal ATVs, and dirtbikes.

“They can get very dangerous. A lot of times, like I said, they ride recklessly in the roadway, and if a motorist blows their horn at them, they become aggressive. They’ll surround that motorist, they’ll attack the car, attack the driver,” Belle said.

Police have seized several bikes, some of which have been stolen. Investigators said some of the teens are also carrying guns.

“It’s something that we won’t accept in CMPD,” Belle said. “Everyone should feel safe to come uptown and not worry about this group acting aggressively.”

The victim Channel 9 spoke to said the four teens who attacked him have been arrested, and he hopes police will continue their efforts.

“I’m happy that they’re taking it seriously,” he said. “It’s not that they’re just kids. I mean I suffered behind that and I don’t want anybody else to suffer.”

Since April, CMPD said they have arrested 10 people from the bicycle groups in three separate operations. They said they don’t have a problem with bicyclists as long as they’re following the law.

Belle said they will continue these operations multiple times a month. CMD insists education is their first form of consequence, but that they will press charges and cite the teens’ parents if needed.

Return to this story for updates.

Breakdown of the total arrests since CMPD started targeting biker groups

July 31 Operation:

Two arrests for reckless driving

Four citations and a juvenile diverted in lieu of being charged

July 21 Operation:

Five arrests for reckless driving (17-yr-old additionally charged with resisting arrest)

April 24 Operation:

Three arrests, including charges for felony fleeing to elude, reckless driving, resisting an officer, assault with a deadly weapon on law enforcement, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, and drug trafficking.

Other related incidents:

April 17 at Romare Bearden Park -- Shots fired into occupied vehicle paralyzing victim, which resulted in two arrests.

April 20 on North Tryon Street -- Four juveniles blocked/played chicken with traffic and pointed realistic airsoft gun at a motorist, which resulted in four arrests.

March 31 on Parkwood Avenue -- Two bike riders cut in front of vehicle. The vehicle then clipped one of bikes and the driver got out to check on the suspect. The suspect and others them jumped the driver and stole his car. This resulted in four arrests.

(Watch below: Illegal dirt bikes, ATVs and minibikes totaled by bulldozer in NYC)

Illegal dirt bikes, ATVs and minibikes totaled by bulldozer in NYC New York Police Department said it has taken almost 2,000 illegal motorbikes and ATVs off the streets since the start of the year. (NCD)

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