RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Three teenagers have been charged after recklessly riding their dirt bikes on major highways in Richmond and Chesterfield Thursday night, according to police.
On Thursday, March 16, shortly after 6 p.m., Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said he saw a group of bikers driving recklessly near the Shockey Bottom area. The mayor then notified Richmond’s interim police chief, Rick Edwards. Around this time, police began receiving several calls about reckless bikers throughout Richmond.
According to police, the bikers were traveling the wrong way on one-way streets and traveling against traffic on Richmond Highway and Belvidere Street. Bikers allegedly drove erratically on sidewalks and in yards of private territories, and also did not stop at stop signs and traffic lights.
Richmond police officers arrived in the area where the bikers were last seen and saw the group continue to ride recklessly in Chesterfield County.
The group of riders then exited Chippenham Parkway, where three of the four bikers were pulled over and arrested in the 9000 block of Knightsbridge Road in Chesterfield County.
The fourth suspect left the area on foot and was not apprehended by police.
Rico Thomas, 18, James Brown, 18, and a 17-year-old boy, all of Hopewell, were charged with reckless driving and felony evading. Additional charges are pending, police said.
Police also seized four bikes and a stolen firearm.
Neighbors on Knightsbridge Road told 8News they witnessed the arrest and are glad families in the area are no longer in danger.
Richmond Police were assisted by the Metro Aviation Unit, Chesterfield County Police and Virginia State Police.