Cops: Reckless Bikers Sought For Blocking Street In Washington Heights
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are trying identify a group of motorcyclists seen on video blocking traffic in front of a funeral home in Washington Heights.
Video uploaded to YouTube shows at least a dozen bikers and ATV operators driving in circles and performing stunts in the middle of Broadway Sunday afternoon.
Police said the group shut down both lanes of the street outside the R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home.
Watch The Video Below:
"It was basically cyclists just riding around," witness Hal Levy said. "I saw the skid marks on the street as I passed by afterwards."
A manager at the funeral home told 1010 WINS the display was a "tribute" to the person whose funeral was going on inside. That person was a member the biker group.
"First, I thought it was very offensive because it was next to the funeral home," said neighbor Josh Noble. "But then realized it was maybe because of the funeral home and it was something in remembrance of them."
But police said their reckless manner created the risk of serious physical injury to onlookers, pedestrians and motorists.
Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke out about the incident on Monday.
"We are going to be aggressive in reaching out to the organizations and making very clear that illegal activity will not be tolerated and there will be very serious consequences," he said. "I think we can have very consistent and aggressive enforcement, and I think that will make a huge difference."
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visit the Crime Stoppers website or text their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
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