Three Pitt football players charged after alleged reckless dirt bike ride in Oakland
PITTSBURGH —
Three Pitt football players are facing charges after allegedly leading university police on a dirt bike chase through Oakland in June, nearly hitting pedestrians and cars, and committing multiple dangerous and illegal traffic violations.
Court documents detail the chaotic scene that unfolded on June 16, when university police spotted three men riding dirt bikes on the sidewalk along Fifth Avenue just before 8 p.m.
The riders, later identified as Pitt football players, allegedly ignored police attempts to conduct traffic stops and continued to evade officers through reckless maneuvers.
The players were identified as 20-year-old defensive back Zion Ferguson, 21-year-old wide receiver Cataurus Hicks, and 20-year-old wide receiver Tyreek Robinson.
According to court documents, the riders made multiple traffic violations, including riding the wrong way down streets, riding on sidewalks, running red lights, riding illegally in crosswalks, and making illegal turns.
Police also observed them performing “wheelies” during the chase.
Ferguson is accused of colliding with a Pittsburgh fire battalion chief’s vehicle and nearly hitting a pedestrian. He was identified by police the same night.
Robinson was identified nearly two weeks later when police found him standing next to one of the dirt bikes allegedly connected to the incident.
Hicks was identified and charged this week. University police said he also nearly hit a pedestrian and a car that was backing out of a parking spot.
All three men initially faced charges of riot, fleeing from police, and recklessly endangering another person, along with several other violations. Some charges against Robinson and Ferguson have since been dropped.
A university spokesperson said, “We are reviewing the information involving student-athletes on our football team but decline to comment further at this time.”
Attempts to reach the attorney representing Robinson and Ferguson for comment have not yet been successful.
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