Masked Dirt Bike Riders Attack SUV on New York's Staten Island, Police Warn Arrests Are Near

A group of masked dirt bike riders has surrounded and attacked an SUV on New York City's Staten Island in the United States. After video of the incident on a busy street spread, police said arrests of those involved are imminent.

The incident took place on Wednesday on Richmond Avenue in Staten Island's Bulls Head neighbourhood. The video showed several masked riders surrounding a white SUV stopped at a traffic light. Several of them appeared to kick and strike the vehicle, while another appeared to throw an object at it.

As the driver attempted to leave, the SUV appeared to run over a dirt bike that had been positioned in front of the vehicle, the video showed.

At a news conference on Thursday, NYPD Assistant Chief John Buttacavoli warned those involved that police were gathering intelligence and working to identify the suspects. 'We know who you are, and you will be getting a knock on your door very soon,' he said.

Buttacavoli said the behaviour had escalated from a quality-of-life concern into criminal activity. 'It stops here. We're taking action,' he added.

Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon also condemned the riders, accusing them of intimidating motorists and putting innocent people at risk. McMahon called the behaviour 'simply outrageous', adding that no one had been seriously injured, based on the information available to officials.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said Wednesday's incident was part of a broader pattern of dangerous behaviour involving motorized bikes. He said the riders were terrorizing drivers as motorists went about their daily routines.

Fossella also warned parents that their children were putting innocent motorists at risk. 'Enough. This game is over,' he said.