To the editor:
On Oct, 18, I was driving along Wolfs Lane in Pelham, taking my son to flag football at Richie Bell Field, when I witnessed a deeply concerning incident.
Approximately 12 to 15 dirt bikes and ATVs, devoid of any license plates, were being ridden by individuals without helmets, some without shirts, and two even had visible handguns tucked into their waistbands. They were recklessly taunting drivers and attempting to engage in dangerous games of chicken with cars.
What made this situation particularly troubling was the presence of children and teenagers on the street as all of this unfolded. As a retired law enforcement officer, I recognized the potential danger.
These riders had come from Mount Vernon and their typical aim is to commit robberies and make a swift escape. You can verify this by asking a Mount Vernon police officer. When I relayed the incident to a local police friend (not from Pelham), he explained that they are often prohibited from pursuing these individuals, as the police bear responsibility if the riders crash.
Some might suggest that the police should at least attempt to pull them over. However, when you’re dealing with illegal firearms, unregistered vehicles, and individuals with malicious intentions who know that the police can’t intervene, they will simply evade capture.
After dropping my son off, I had to head to Mount Vernon, near 16th Avenue, as part of my insurance special investigative unit (SIU) investigations that I do on the side. On my way back, while traveling on First Avenue in Mount Vernon, the same group of bikers appeared again. They disregarded a red traffic signal, encircled a car, taunted the driver and tried to open car doors. Three of them even sped through the red light right in front of a police officer and then raced down a side street at incredible speeds. The police officer could only watch, helpless due to the constraints on their actions.
I’m sharing this account to alert the public to be vigilant regarding these bikers and to emphasize the urgency of granting the police greater authority to act. These individuals aren’t just joyriders; they are opportunistic criminals seeking easy targets and enjoying the fear they instill in drivers. Parents need to be aware that these aren’t harmless teenagers, but criminals with malicious intentions entering Pelham.
Peter Uliano
6th Street
Richard Palmer • Nov 1, 2023 at 12:48 pm
Handguns? In the wrong hands? Tell me you didn’t see this!
No question they are becoming more brazen.
I’d like to see more police at our boarders and a weekly Police Report published in the Pelham Examiner.
Peter Uliano • Nov 1, 2023 at 1:44 pm
I mean in all honesty they could have been bb guns or black water guns etc. Without evidence I can not definitely say that they were real handguns but there was “reasonable suspicion” and they were definitely up to no good. I just got off phone with someone who told me they were in front of police station doing wheelys that same day.
Toni Biaggi • Nov 1, 2023 at 9:41 am
As disturbing as this is to read, and to know it happened in our town, I am more concerned as to what we can do if/when confronted by this situation. Can we come together to discuss possible solutions and / or how to assist law enforcement to deal with this going forward?
Lucy Carney • Nov 1, 2023 at 9:37 am
I’d like to know what the response from our local police departments is to this letter. Do they have advice for us on how to handle such a situation? I’m concerned that the “gang” will get more brazen if they’re not stopped. Thank you.
Lucy Carney
Bob Shepherd • Oct 31, 2023 at 8:33 pm
All I’ve ever heard in my 10 years here in Pelham is how we are lucky to live in a bubble! I’ve never believed that for a minute. What happens inside our neighboring towns is exactly what can happen here. Especially if the local police forces of these towns are operating with one hand tied behind their backs as explained by the author of this piece. America not just Pelham, is extremely brittle right now for various reasons, and a serious incident is waiting to happen at the time of the perpetrator’s choosing. People need to understand that we are all on our own, and that in any incident we are all the first responders. The professional responders will arrive eventually, but until they do, we all need to be prepared with a plan in our minds, remember hope is not a plan. Awareness is everything, the ability to walk or drive knowing exactly who is around you. And the ability to hang a right or left, or even turn around should the need arise. Doors locked and windows fully closed, ensuring that you are not the easy target on the streets. The police most definitely need to do their job to the best of their ability…no hands tied, otherwise what is the point of taxpayers money going to a police force that is paid for to keep towns safe in all scenarios? Under the circumstances I think our police in Pelham do an amazing job coming out each day and being seen, but things here need to change soonest. Those that oversee the police force duties need to ensure that they are able to carry out their daily tasks to the best of their abilities. If indeed these young fellas show up again (as this first scenario could just be a recce to see what they can get away with inside Pelham), they could be bold enough to carry out an attack on a person, a vehicle or a premises, especially if they are armed. Be alert always, if we can help ourselves by keeping switched on we are helping our police force too…safety and security here needs to be two way these days.
Elia Clemente • Oct 31, 2023 at 7:03 pm
It’s painful to read this story.
Peter Uliano • Nov 1, 2023 at 11:08 am
What do you mean by painful? I am just curious as I am the writer is it the writing or story itself?
Elia Clemente • Oct 31, 2023 at 6:47 pm
Are the police allowed to confiscate unlicensed bikes. Lawlessness must be dealt with aforcfull rapid response before it’s your family in a surrounded car being terrorized.
Samuel Sanchez • Oct 31, 2023 at 3:52 pm
I saw this as well near the picture house. My first thought was “oh no now they are in Pelham” this is a huge concern if they keep coming back.