DAO Announces Charges Against Individual Involved in ATV-Related Assault

CONTACT:
Dustin Slaughter, 215–686–8713, Dustin.Slaughter@phila.gov

PHILADELPHIA (June 14, 2021) — District Attorney Larry Krasner today announced charges against William Cropper (DOB 02/28/1980) for his role in assaulting a Philadelphia Police officer with an All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV) and attempting to elude law enforcement in the city’s Cobbs Creek section in May.

According to police, Cropper was stopped by two plainclothes officers who were assigned to monitor and stop the illegal use of ATV on residential streets in West Philadelphia. As one of the officers exited their vehicle, Cropper allegedly accelerated his bike into the passenger-side door, slightly injuring the officer. The defendant then fled on foot and later punched the same officer he had assaulted minutes before as that officer attempted to place Cropper under arrest.

Cropper is being charged with Aggravated Assault (F1), Criminal Mischief (F3), Aggravated Assault by Vehicle (F3), Possession of an Instrument of Crime (M1), Simple Assault (M2), Resisting Arrest (M2), and Fleeing a Police Officer (M2).

“While we need to keep enforcement for ATV-related crimes in our toolkit, as we are doing when an individual’s actions rise to the level of criminal conduct like in Mr. Cropper’s case, we also need imaginative and prevention-oriented solutions, such as designated off-road areas for riders to enjoy their sport, while ensuring that our streets are safe for pedestrians and drivers alike,” said DA Krasner. “We also cannot fall into the trap of overpolicing our city’s vibrant bike and ATV culture, which is predominantly composed of young Black and brown men. The voices of law-abiding leaders in bike culture must be heard. My office will continue to work with our community and city stakeholders on solutions that benefit all.”

Cropper will be formally arraigned on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.