OFF THE WIRE
Staff Writer
Numerous motorcycles were pulled over by police at about 4:45 p.m. Saturday on Route 222, between Bushong and Creek roads in Manheim Township.
Passersby said they saw motorcycles parked on the shoulder and flanked by police vehicles from several jurisdictions.
Officers with assault rifles were reported to be overlooking the scene from a hillside along the road. The northbound right lane of Route 222 was blocked by police and traffic was temporarily backed up.
Lancaster Police Chief Keith Sadler said two officers from the city assisted Manheim Township police in checking a large group of motorcyclists passing through. Sadler said he could not confirm a report of a planned motorcycle rally in the area.
Police from Manheim Township and Pennsylvania state troopers from Lancaster said they had no further information on the incident Saturday night.
Video:
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Motorcyclists run afoul of the law
Police say club members nabbed for speeding on Route 222...
Several dozen motorcyclists affiliated with the Pagans and other motorcycle clubs will be cited for speed violations after a mass stop Saturday afternoon along Route 222 in Manheim Township, according to police.
About 60 cyclists who are members of the Pagans, the Tribe and Sons of Satan were stopped during a coordinated effort by Manheim Township and other state and local police departments. Manheim Township police Chief Neil J. Harkins said Monday that about 20 officers were involved in the operation.
According to a statement issued by police Monday afternoon, Harkins said the motorcycle clubs have "traditionally engaged in group rides originating from their clubhouse in Rapho Township. Past rides have generated complaints and created potential safety hazards to other motorists.
"In previous years, law enforcement has been unable to take any action due simply to the sheer number of cyclists and limited law enforcement staffing. This year information was received as to when their next ride would be held and officers from multiple departments were prepared to respond as needed."
According to the press release, police used radar to time the lead and trailing motorcyclists at 81 and 79 mph, respectively, about 4 p.m. Saturday, at which time the entire group of cyclists was halted by police in waiting cruisers.
"Rather than detain the cyclists for the hours it would have taken to write citations, and in the interests of the safety of the motorists using Route 222, officers merely obtained the information needed for traffic citations from each cyclist. The group was then sent on its way," according to the statement.
The stop took place between Bushong and Creek roads. The right northbound lane was blocked by police during the operation, and highway traffic was temporarily backed up.
Officers with assault rifles were reported to be overlooking the scene from a hillside along the road.
Harkins did not confirm that report, although he said Monday that "there were a number of officers providing security" for the duration the incident.
"Those cyclists actually timed by radar will be sent summonses for speeding, while those in between will be sent summonses for driving at an unsafe speed," according to the statements. "The cyclists were generally cooperative and the detail was completed without incident."
tknapp@lnpnews.com
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