As the discussion rages on regarding how police and the community should deal with a reckless group of teenaged bicyclists dubbed the “wheelie kids,” Lansdale Borough Police Chief Michael Trail has issued a public statement seeking to answer questions that have commonly surfaced and address solutions that involve violence and unlawful activity.
“Recently, there have been comments made on social media regarding kids on bikes riding in traffic,” said Trail. “LPD has worked hard to deal with the matter, and will continue to in the future. I am very troubled to see the group identified as ‘thugs,’ and the mob mentality of those posting about throwing food on the kids, shooting them with a paint ball gun, and most recently, a comment by a grown man about ‘running them over.’”
Based on those comments, Trail has issued an official statement on the issue. The statement reads, in full:
“In recent months, there have been several reports to the Lansdale Police Department regarding juveniles riding bikes in traffic and using offensive language in public when confronted by motorists.
To date, Lansdale Police have responded to 16 complaints, issued citations, and spoke with all of the parents of the juveniles involved. Any statements which portray the police department as not doing anything about the problem or caring about the issue are patently false.
The Lansdale Police Department will always respond to these complaints and take the appropriate action given the violation. The seizure of personal property by the police department without a warrant is unlawful and a practice we will not undertake.
As a parent, motorist and your police chief, I care deeply about this issue. However, we need, as a community, to work together to abate the problem and not work to fuel the issue through threats on social media about how people should address the problem.
I am asking for the community to be a good witness for our officers, and report the infractions and stand by for our officers to respond so we may fully investigate each instance.
See also:
Complaints Continue About Lansdale ‘Wheelie Kids’
Lansdale ‘Wheelie Kids’ Draw Ire Of Police, Businesses
Locals Lament Impending Loss of Historic Hatfield School
Suspect Sought in Vandalism of Parkside Place Amphitheater
