Dirt Bike Rider Runs Down Child at New Haven Playground

NEW HAVEN, CT- Police are searching for a dirt bike rider after a child was struck and injured at Criscuolo Park.

Police and EMTs responded June 12 shortly after 4 p.m. to the incident. A four-year-old was struck by a reckless operator, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

The child was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital and sustained a non life-threatening fracture to one lower leg.

"The dirt-bike dirt-bag fled north on James Street after running down the young child," Hartman said. "A witness described him as an Hispanic man, heavy-set, who wore a black shirt and black cargo style shorts. He has curly hair and a reddish colored beard."

Reckless dirt bike riders in New Haven have been a nuisance for years. They often ride illegally on streets. Police have taken steps to arrest riders and seize their bikes in the past. 

 Anyone with information on who’s responsible or where the bike may be is asked to phone police at 203-946-6304 or 203-946-6316.