UPPER MANHATTAN — Police seized 12 illegal motorcycles over the holiday weekend as they continued to crack down on dangerous motorcycles common in Northern Manhattan, police said.
According to Officer Hadee Pabey of the 34th Precinct, police confiscated bikes they said were unregistered, uninsured, altered in illegal ways or contributing "to noise pollution and hazardous conditions."
The recent sweep is a continuation of an initiative kick started last month, where police seized 25 illegal bikes in Inwood and Washington Heights, according to Deputy Inspector Jose Navarro of the 34th Precinct.
He was speaking at the precinct’s community affairs meeting last month.
Police have said they are committed to removing illegal bikes from the streets.
"This is an ongoing effort that will continue throughout the summer," Pabey wrote in an email.
Pabey and Navarro came face to face with two riders on an illegal bike as the duo sped along the sidewalk just outside of the precinct’s community council meeting on April 28.
Navarro and Pabey apprehended driver Robert Casilla, 19, and passenger Franllely Alvarado, also 19, after Navarro was dragged down a stretch of the sidewalk while holding onto the bike's handlebars.
Casilla was charged with assault, reckless endangerment and driving without a license, among other charges. His license had been suspended and he was using a forged permanent resident card, which he allegedly told police that he bought in Queens and used "to get into clubs."
Casilla was indicted by a grand jury and released on $5,000 bail. He is due back in court on Aug. 8.
Alvarado was charged with obstruction of justice and other charges. She pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on April 28 and sentenced to time served.
Navarro was treated for minor injuries after the incident.
