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Dirt bike strikes, knocks down 2 Trenton police officers
Police are working to identify the dirt bike rider who struck two Trenton officers, knocking them to the ground, on Tuesday night before fleeing.
The two Trenton officers were near State Street and Poplin Place around 8:15 p.m. when they heard off-road vehicles and dirt bikes in the wooded area and property north of State Street and west of the Great Miami River along the railroad tracks. The officers parked their cruisers and walked into the area to investigate the illegal activity, according to the Trenton Police Department.
The officers saw a large group of dirt bikes and four-wheelers in the wooded area, with one dirt bike on an adjacent path close to the officers.
“Trenton’s officers presented themselves and commanded the rider to stop; however, the rider changed direction and drove directly at the officers, striking both and knocking them to the ground before fleeing the area in a northerly direction,” police said.
The Butler County Sheriff’s Office and Middletown Division of Police responded immediately to assist Trenton police.
Deputies initiated a pursuit of two unlicensed dirt bikes on Middletown Eaton Road. The first suspect was apprehended on Carmody Boulevard.
The second suspect fled on to the railroad tracks at Trenton Franklin and Middletown Eaton roads. Trenton police used a drone and were able to find the second suspect trying to hide in the woods by covering his dirt bike with foliage.
Noah Alexander Terrell Fleming, 19, and Matthew David Short Jr., 23, both of Middletown, are charged with traffic offenses with additional charges pending, police said.
Police are continuing to investigate the identity of the dirt bike rider who struck the officers and fled. Anyone with information can call Trenton police at 513-988-6341.
About the Author
Jen Roppel Balduf covers breaking news for the Dayton Daily News. She earned a bachelor of science in journalism degree from Ohio University and also writes for the Journal-News, Springfield News-Sun and Dayton.com.