Philadelphia man stops dirt bike rider from fleeing after hitting officer

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A neighbor in Philadelphia jumped into action when a dirt bike rider tried to flee after hitting a police officer.

Investigators said the highway patrol sergeant on a motorcycle was traveling in the Holmesburg neighborhood Wednesday night when the illegal dirt bike reportedly ran a stop sign.

The resulting collision caused both drivers to fall off their bikes.

While the officer was still on the ground, the 22-year-old suspect tried to flee.

Anthony Wade intervened.

"The dirt bike tried to leave, and the officer told me not to let him leave. And the kid was trying to kickstart the bike. He finally got the bike started and got on the bike. I ripped him off the bike, and then we got in a pushing match. The cop hollered at him to get down on the ground," Wade said. "Just doing my part, that's all. I'm one of those neighbors that if you need help, I'm there. That's all there is to it."

"The neighbor did a great job – clearly a brave man," Chief Inspector Scott Small said. "Not only did he check on the officer, he checked on the 22-year-old who was involved in the accident. That's when the 22-year-old was trying to get away, and our neighbor held onto him. And then, with the help of the sergeant, they were both able to hold onto this individual who was clearly struggling with both of them in an effort to get away."

The sergeant suffered injuries to his leg and was taken to an area hospital in stable condition.

Investigators said the dirt biker rider wasn't hurt.

The police condemned vigilantism in general but said this case was fine because the officer asked the neighbor for help.