Galloway County police seek dirt bikers wanted for vandalism, harassment

GALLOWAY TWP., NJ (WPVI) — Galloway Township police are searching for a pair of dirt bike riders accused of harming and harassing workers.

The incident took place at the Galloway Township Nature Preserve, which has more than 100 acres of land open to hiking and other outdoor activities.

“We just got to the trails to go mountain biking. It’s beautiful,” said Michael Canicatti of Little Egg Harbor Township.

It was used as a gravel pit until the county took over the land a few years ago.

“They really wanted to beautify it by planting trees, building roads, making it a place where we could play disc golf, ride bikes in the winter and sled,” said Galloway Twp. Police Lieutenant Mark D’Esposito.

The trail used to be a popular destination for ATV riders and dirt bikes, but it is no longer allowed there.

Visitors say you often see them in the afternoons and can tell if they are around.

“You see the tracks. Tire tracks,” Canicatti said.

Last week, on October 24, police said two dirt bike riders were cycling in the reserve. When asked to leave by workers, the drivers made obscene gestures and then rode their bikes towards the workers, splashing them with stones and soil, police said. When police arrived, authorities said they fled at high speed.

“We really want to spread the message that you can’t come here, you can’t cause trouble. People volunteer their time, they work hard to build this place, and when they get harassed, their property is money.” if it gets damaged, problems will arise,” D’Esposito said.

Police added that these vehicles could damage the land and new trees planted.

Visitors we spoke to generally don’t care about these, but that’s not the case if they’re disruptive.

“These guys should be arrested,” said Seymour Friedman of Whiting, N.J. “What they could do to make everyone happy is create some special trails for ATVs.”

Police added that although motorized vehicles are not allowed, many ATV riders stick to the trails and are respectful. This was not the case here.

The police really want to talk to the two drivers.

If anyone has any information they should contact Galloway Twp. Police Sgt. Kevin Costa at [email protected].