Crime & Safety
Family Raising Money for Son's Funeral Costs
Amir Brooks died last week after crashing his dirt bike on a street while fleeing a Prince George's County police officer.
An online fundraiser has been established to help pay the funeral costs of a District Heights teen who died after he fled from police and crashed his dirt bike on city streets.
On Aug. 4, Amir Brooks, 17, was riding his dirt bike and left his apartment complex near the intersection of Marlboro Pike and Brooks Drive in District Heights. His mother, Pamela Brooks, told WJLA TV, Amir was pursued by a Prince George’s County Police officer up Pennsylvania Avenue to the D.C. line.
The off-duty Prince George’s County officer, working security, questioned whether the dirt bike was connected to a recent armed robbery at a county business, WJLA reports. But so far, there is no evidence that connects Amir or his bike with a robbery.
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The officer may have violated department policy by beginning a chase for a minor infraction.
Amir lost control of his dirt bike about three-quarters of a mile into the District, and crashed into a tree. He was not wearing a helmet, and died at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
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A candlelight vigil held Friday evening to remember Amir drew dozens of friends and family members.
“I love him. He was a good kid,” Amir’s uncle, Frederick Bass told WJLA. “His whole life was in front of him. And now, I’m getting ready to bury him, getting ready to say goodbye for the last time.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family pay for Amir’s funeral expenses. As of Sunday morning, just over $9,000 has been donated toward the goal of $15,000.
It is illegal to ride an off-road vehicle on public streets in Prince George’s County, WJLA says. Offenders can be ticketed.
Prince George’s County Police have launched an administrative investigation into the accident, while Metropolitan Police investigate the crash.
Brooks says her son likely didn’t pull over when he was pursued by police because he was afraid.
»Amir Brooks, 17, of District Heights, died after he fled Prince George’s County Police on a dirt bike and crashed into a tree. Credit: WJLA TV screenshot
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