Albany officials are speaking out about an incident in which an 18-year-old woman was struck by an illegal dirt bike early Saturday morning.

Witnesses told police that a man was driving the dirt bike at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic, and struck the woman on the 400 block of Hudson Avenue in Albany at around midnight. The victim was thrown in the air and landed in the roadway several feet away from the initial impact, police said.

The suspect left the scene.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Police Chief Eric Hawkins released a joint statement about the incident.

“Based on the initial investigation, it is clear this individual weaponized an illegal vehicle against innocent civilians in our community. We strongly urge anyone with information about the suspect of this heinous act to come forward and share that information with law enforcement officials,” they said in the statement.

They reminded the public that it is illegal to operate a dirt bike and ATVs on any street or sidewalk, or public park in the city of Albany. Penalties can include repossession fees and fines up to $3,000 per violation.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Albany Police Traffic and Safety Division at 518-458-5628 or at www.capitalregioncrimestoppers.com or by downloading the free P3 Tips mobile app.