School Resource Officer Michael Gallegos (second from left) was on patrol at Berlin Community School during after-school activities on March 10 when he stopped three individuals riding dirt bikes behind the building. They fled, but have since been identified and charged, according to Police Chief Michael Scheer.
Residents living in the New Freedom Village Homes are fed up with people on motor bikes, dune buggies and ATVs who ride along a PSE&G easement behind their properties.
Sometimes at 3 a.m. in the morning, according to one resident.
In surveillance video from a Ring camera played at the recent borough council meeting on March 12, a group of individuals are seen on motor bikes. Another clip showed an even larger group on ATVs and dune buggies tear through the area.
The noise was deafening.
Police Chief Michael Scheer was at the meeting and asked if he could take the security footage; the residents gladly handed it over. He told them that three people on dirt bikes riding behind Berlin Community School on March 10 had been charged and asked the public to help identify the vehicles on its Facebook page.
“Yes we know the weather is nice today,” the post read. “We all know kids will be kids, and let them be kids. However, driving on school property during after-school activities creates a danger for everyone involved – as well as a disturbance – and is unacceptable.”
School Resource Officer Michael Gallegos was on patrol at the school on March 10 and kept the riders in question from creating further issues on the property. The three then fled – officers are not permitted to pursue them – but have since been identified and were charged accordingly, Scheer said.
“The issue remains that if we do act, we are prohibited from chasing them,” the chief explained. “… If they crash, we will get charged criminally. That’s how it is.”
Residents acknowledged that police quickly respond when they request help and that their presence has been beneficial, especially during after-school hours and on weekends. Scheer has been in contact with PSE&G to discuss ways – such as a fence – that it can secure the easement area and eliminate riding there.
Solicitor Howard Long said the issue is everywhere.
“Your complaint is what I hear frequently,” he has told the New Freedom residents. “The problem is the state has tied our police department’s hands on what they can do.”
Long recommended crafting an ordinance asking state legislators to examine the problem.
In other news, council voted in favor of a first reading amending the borough’s animal licensing fees. It’s been at the same level for 10 to 15 years, said Mayor Rick Miller.
Borough Administrator Ann Marie Miller said if a rabies shot expired prior to Nov. 1, the state does not allow the borough to renew the animal license. On several occasions, residents had to return to register their animal and incurred a late fee.
The fee is increasing from $10 to $15, and the late fee is being reduced from $25 to $10. The borough will host a free rabies clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9.
