The streets of San Francisco witnessed a crackdown on illegal dirt bike riding last week, leading to the seizure of vehicles and arrests, including two men now facing charges. The District Attorney's Office confirmed that Nino Fiopoto, 28, and Rubin Mesa, 30, have been charged with reckless driving and participating in a speed contest, following their detainment on Sunday.
According to authorities, the San Francisco Police Department officers carried out a coordinated operation, involving the Citywide Plainclothes Team, Real-Time Investigation Center, Drone as a First Responder, and Stunt Driving Response Unit, the operation implemented cutting edge technology like Automated License Plate Readers, Drones, and surveillance cameras to track and apprehend those involved in unlawful and reckless dirt bike riding—and during this operation, six dirt bikes and an ATV were seized by the police. Fiopoto and Mesa are due for arraignment at 9 a.m. today in Department 17 at the Hall of Justice, as the District Attorney's Office reported.
In a display of technology-assisted policing, SFPD officers used the aforementioned technology in conjunction with physical surveillance to assist officers on the ground, which led to the seizure of the vehicles and the arrests of Fiopoto and Mesa near the corner of Divisadero Street and Lombard Street. The pre-planned operation responded to the dangers posed by such activities and aimed to enforce California vehicle codes related to illegal dirt bike riding.
While charges have been officially filed against Fiopoto and Mesa, authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing. The San Francisco Police Department urges anyone with further information to come forward. An appeal has been made for witnesses or those with knowledge of the incidents to contact the police tip line or to send a text beginning with SFPD to TIP411. The police have assured that those providing tips can remain anonymous.
