In Fitchburg, Massachusetts, tensions escalated on Friday morning when a dirt bike rider was arrested for allegedly attacking a police captain at a Gulf gas station. According to CBS Boston, the incident occurred after Captain Matthew LeMay approached the rider to discuss reckless driving behavior, only to be struck in the head with an object that may have been a gas pump handle. Nearby witnesses reported a flurry of police and ambulance activity shortly after the attack.
While Captain LeMay sought to peacefully engage with the riders about their conduct, the situation quickly became violent. Scanner audio captured the captain calling for assistance, saying he had been hit on the head. Witnesses at the scene, including Kathy Marean, recounted that the officer was lying on the ground receiving first aid after the altercation. The 20-year-old male suspect was later apprehended and is being charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, among other charges, according to information from Boston 25 News. A second suspect was also subsequently arrested and is likely to face minor traffic infractions. The event has cast a spotlight on an ongoing problem plaguing the Fitchburg community – illegal dirt bikes and ATVs.
The name of the arrested dirt bike rider has not been released. As details emerge, Fitchburg police are continuing to investigate the incident. The officer involved was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries, including a laceration to the head.
Illegal dirt bikes and ATVs have long been a concern in Fitchburg, with residents expressing frustration over the hazards they pose. "It's horrible. They will just run you off of the road by doing wheelies and just pulling out in front of you. They don't care," Kathy Marean told CBS Boston. The recent incident, which led to the arrest of two individuals, has renewed attention on the issue in the community.
