Bob Hemauer
The victims.
A witness contacted TDP Tuesday evening with a report that a Madison Parking Enforcement vehicle had rolled into a bike rack on the 100 block of West Main Street, near Genna's Lounge, crunching several bikes in the process.
"The guy got out of his jeep, started to write a ticket, and all of a sudden the jeep started moving backwards," said Bob Hemauer, who saw what happened from Genna's. "According to the person who called the cops because his bike was damaged, the parking enforcement officer claimed that 'The jeep is new and has been acting strange.' He also claimed to have put the parking brake on. Which I sincerely doubt."
Stephanie Niesen of the Parking Enforcement office confirmed the incident Wednesday morning, saying the jeep's "shifter malfunctioned." Owners of two bikes had been contacted Tuesday night and police are attempting to find owners of three other bikes.
Hemauer estimated that around six bikes sustained "pretty serious damage" that rendered them unrideable. He did stipulate how many of the bikes were "fixies."
The incident has been assigned to an investigator, who took photos at the scene, and given a case number (09183671). Individuals who believe their bikes were involved are encouraged to contact police.
Niesen also confirmed that the jeep is off the streets and will be repaired by a mechanic before returning to action.
Click the "Gallery" tab below the photo to see additional shots from the scene."
