NYPD On The Hunt For Dirt Bike Rider Who Critically Injured 4-Year-Old Boy In Queens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The search continues for a dirt bike rider who police say hit and injured a little boy in Queens and then took off.
On Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke out about the case, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
The 4-year-old was taken to a hospital in critical condition after a hit-and-run. His father told CBS2 off camera he's grateful his son is going to pull through.
Police say the boy was struck by an illegal dirt bike in the Meadow Lake boat rental parking lot inside Flushing Meadows-Corona Park just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Many parkgoers said speeding riders often come through the area on the weekends.
"I'm not surprised at all. It's only a matter of time before it happened," Carlos Montalvo said.
"Cop car passes by, don't say anything. It's normal for them to be here it looks like," Sun Hae added.
"Obviously, we are not talking about decent human beings here," Flushing resident Avi Kulangy told CBS2's John Dias.
"I hear them all the time," one resident said.
"I really don't understand what is going on in the city, why they don't enforce the regulations," said Louis Florez.
Back in May, the NYPD announced a crackdown on illegal vehicles across the city. On Monday, the NYPD's 110th Precinct, which covers the park, tweeted:
"Recent collisions with operators of illegal dirt bikes and ATVs have lead to fatalities & serious injuries. These motor vehicles are illegal & shouldn't be operated on NYC roads. If you drive these illegal dirt bikes & ATVs, they will be confiscated & you will be arrested."
"The NYPD has been very aggressive. If one's out there, it's immediately illegal. It's just not allowed in New York City and we will destroy them, literally, and send a message to people," de Blasio said.
But Bronx Councilman Mark Gjonaj said he does not believe enough is being done. Last week, he introduced a bill that would increase fines by 50% for those who drive the bikes -- from $500 to $750 for the first offense, and from $1,000 to $1,500 for all others.
"We can triple it, we can quadruple it, but if the laws are not being enforced, it makes no difference. NYPD has to do its job, and then the courts have to do their jobs," Gjonaj said.
De Blasio said he does support increasing fines. In this latest case, he said he's praying for the best for the little boy.
Police are looking for a black and gold bike.
Anyone with information about the suspect in Sunday's crash is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
CBS2's John Dias contributed to this report.
