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Methuen police seek seven e-bike riders after reported trail assaults
A man told Methuen officials that a group of teenagers on e-bikes struck him and harassed other walkers on the rail trail. Police are asking for information to identify the riders.
Methuen police are trying to identify seven teenagers seen on e-bikes after a man reported being struck on the city’s rail trail and said other walkers were also targeted.
The incident was reported at about 5:35 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, near the Nevins Farm MSPCA shelter. Police said surveillance images show seven boys believed to be between 15 and 17 years old. Investigators believe the group may have been traveling from Lawrence north toward Salem, New Hampshire.
Greg Curtis described the encounter at Monday night’s Methuen City Council meeting. He said he was walking on the trail when he was hit from behind.
“I was being assaulted, blindsided, punched,” Curtis said. He recalled that the riders had their hoods up and said one boy in a red hoodie turned around and smiled after the blow.
Curtis said three women he spoke with afterward told him they had also been assaulted and sworn at. He said another woman reported nearly being knocked over and feared she would be hurt. Curtis said he was not seriously injured.
He urged city officials to consider steps to address unsafe e-bike riding, including policy changes or enforcement. Police have asked anyone with information about the riders to contact the department.