Gang of ATV, dirt bike riders surround police in Philly, throw bricks, bottles at cops — and break windshield. City has ‘no pursuit’ policy for such vehicles.

A gang of dirt bike and ATV riders were caught on video surrounding police at a Philadelphia gas station Sunday night — and police said the riders threw bricks and bottles at cops, which resulted in a broken windshield.

Police were still looking for the culprits Wednesday. As it turns out, the city has a “no pursuit” policy for such vehicles, PhillyVoice reported.

What are the details?

Police said officers responded to a large group riding dirt bikes and ATVs near the Lukoil gas station at Delaware Avenue and Spring Garden Street around 8 p.m.

One of the riders crashed his dirt bike by the gas pumps and immediately fled on foot, police said. As it turns out, the 2011 Honda dirt bike left behind was reported stolen in New Jersey, police said.

As officers moved to secure the stolen dirt bike, police said the remaining riders began encircling the officers while throwing bricks, bottles, and other objects at them.

One marked police vehicle was kicked repeatedly and had its windshield broken with a brick before the group fled the area, police said.

Assault on Police 600 N Delaware Ave DC 22 06 044110 youtu.be

Police said the suspect who threw the brick is described as a male with a light complexion riding a red and white dirt bike and wearing a black balaclava, red hooded sweatshirt, and black sweatpants.

Police also said if you see this suspect, do not approach — instead call 911 immediately. To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215-686-TIPS; you can also text tips to 215-686-TIPS. Police added that all tips are confidential. You can also call the Central Detective Division at 215-686-3093/3094.

‘No pursuit’ policy

While dirt bikes and ATVs are illegal to ride on city streets, police have a “no pursuit” policy for the sake of safety that makes the law difficult to enforce, Philly Voice reported.

The outlet added that state lawmakers passed legislation in July letting police confiscate, destroy, or sell illegal dirt bikes and ATVs taken from highways, sidewalks, and public roadways.

In July 2021, the city passed a law amid growing complaints from residents that classified dirt bikes and dune buggies in the same category as ATVs, which makes all riders of such vehicles subject to $2,000 fines and vehicle confiscation.

In March 2021, a road-raging dirt bike rider in Philadelphia was caught on video physically attacking a motorist, heaving heavy debris at the motorist’s vehicle — and apparently grabbing for a gun.

Content warning: Racial slurs and profanity: