Haverford braces for as many as 1,000 bikers in for benefit for boy injured in hit-run

OFF THE WIRE
HAVERFORD — Township officials are preparing for as many as 1,000 members of the Pagan Motorcycle Club, Warlocks, Wheels of Soul, Thunder Guards and other biker clubs to ride through Havertown today as part of a benefit for the 14-year-old victim of a hit-and-run accident last month.

It is being called “The Jake Run” in honor of Jake Vantrieste, the Havertown boy who was struck by a vehicle as he and three other boys were crossing Township Line Road near Bryan Street in Drexel Hill on Nov. 4.

Police say former Delco prosecutor Michael J. Donahue was the driver of the vehicle that struck Vantrieste, and he is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, reckless driving and related offenses.

The Jake Run will depart from Christine’s Steak House in Philadelphia around 11 a.m., arriving in Havertown via Route 476 around noon.

The motorcyclists will then make their way along Eagle Road to St. Denis Lane, pick up Vantrieste at his home and visit the scene of the accident.

The bikers will accompany Vantrieste back to his residence and return to Philadelphia. Up to 1,000 motorcyclists are expected to participate in the ride.

Township Manager Larry Gentile said extra police officers will be on the scene “to make sure traffic continues to flow properly and our residents are affected as little as possible.”

Deputy Police Chief John Viola said “We’re going to make sure traffic flows smoothly because of the holidays. That’s our only concern, that traffic is rolling.”

As a result of the crash, Vantrieste, a Haverford High School freshman, suffered a head injury, two hip fractures and internal injuries. He was treated and discharged from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Jake’s father, Kevin Vantrieste, said his son is doing “as well as can be expected,” though he’s still “not 100 percent.”

Vantrieste said he rides a Harley and has friends in numerous motorcycling organizations, though he does not officially belong to any. Vantrieste expects the Jake Run will draw both regular riders and “one-percenters” like the Pagans.

The benefit is intended to raise money for Jake and Special Olympics, Vantrieste said, adding that his wife, Dawn, works with Special Olympics as a licensed horseback riding therapist.

And “it’s a great way to get everyone together for what will probably be the last ride of the season,” said Vantrieste.

Donahue’s preliminary hearing in district court was recently continued to Dec. 27 at the request of the State Attorney General’s Office. The Commonwealth filed a motion before President Judge Joseph Cronin seeking an out-of-county judge to hear the case. President Judge Joseph Cronin will hear reasons for the request 9 a.m. Tuesday.

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2011/12/17/news/doc4eec0fe6d453f276390574.txt?viewmode=fullstory