Police released dashcam video showing officers chasing a group of teenagers on e-bikes accused of vandalizing school fields and injuring a worker.
Thursday, May 7, 2026 9:40PMPolice in Marple Township, Delaware County, released dashcam video showing officers chasing a group of teenagers on e-bikes accused of vandalizing school fields and injuring a worker earlier Tuesday evening.
The pursuit began shortly after 5:15 p.m., when police received a call reporting that about 10 youths had damaged the Cardinal O'Hara baseball and softball fields and confronted a worker, according to authorities.
"They swore at him, cursed at him, generally disrespectful. And one of the kids drove by him and struck him on the right side of his leg," Marple Township Police Chief Brandon Graeff said. The victim later spotted the group at a Wawa on Sproul Road, prompting officers to begin following the teens. Police said the group fled when officers attempted to stop them, leading to a dangerous chase captured on video.
"Police attempted to stop the kids, they fled onto Sproul Road, recklessly into traffic, into oncoming traffic, onto sidewalks," Graeff said. Dashcam footage shows the e-bike riders weaving through traffic on the busy roadway. Graeff said the situation could have turned far worse. Investigators said the group managed to get away, but officers have identified one of the teens involved.
Police said a 15-year-old from Ridley Park is believed to have struck the worker. Authorities are continuing to search for the remaining riders, whose faces were blurred in released footage because they are juveniles. Police said the 15-year-old could face assault charges related to the incident, which they described as a hit-and-run. All of the teens involved are expected to receive motor vehicle violations.
The incident also highlights broader concerns among local police about the increasing presence of teens riding e-bikes, particularly as the weather warms.
"It was really ramping up towards the end of the summer, early fall last year, and we're already seeing it taking off," Graeff said. "It's frustrating because you might hit one of them and then you're going to be responsible," said Terry Gorman of Broomall. "They just don't have proper guidance. The parents have to step in and talk to them," said Craig Phillips of Swarthmore.
Police emphasized that the e-bikes involved are not street legal and urged parents to talk with their children about safe and lawful riding.
"The word 'no' is still a word in the English language, and I wish they would use it when it comes to these things," Graeff said. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to identify the remaining teens involved.
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