A group of five dirt bike riders tore through the grass soccer fields at the Mullica Township Recreational Complex Thursday evening, carving deep ruts into the turf before speeding off. The vandalism happened around 7 p.m. at the complex along Elwood Road in Atlantic County, leaving fields used by local youth soccer players damaged and, according to police, without any authorization for the riders to be there in the first place.
According to CBS News, Mullica Township Police said the group of riders caused the damage to the field, which was left with deep ruts gouged into the grass. Witnesses reported last seeing the five riders carving through the turf and traveling south on Weymouth Road and then east on Blueberry Road near the Elwood Volunteer Fire Department, per WPG Talk Radio. Police shared photos on Facebook and asked for help identifying the people responsible.
Police Investigate the Incident
The five riders were on dirt bikes, according to the news outlet's report.
The Mullica Township Recreational Complex is not some obscure patch of grass. It includes soccer fields used by local youth soccer players.
Mullica Township Setting
Mullica Township is in western Atlantic County, and the complex is along Elwood Road.
The damage left ruts in the soccer fields.
Investigation Continues
Police are investigating the off-road riding and the damage to the fields.
The extent of the damage and any repair work the fields will need have not been announced.
No arrests have been announced in the Mullica Township case, and it remains unclear how much repair work the damaged fields will need or whether the youth soccer league's schedule will be affected. Police are continuing to seek information from the public as they work to identify the five riders.
