A 25-year-old Watervliet man has been arrested for allegedly striking and seriously injuring Alexa Kropf with a dirt bike.

Austin Breyette is accused of riding the bike at a high rate of speed while weaving in and out of groups of people in the road on Hudson Avenue on April 27 at around 12:01 a.m. He allegedly struck Kropf, a UAlbany student, causing her to be thrown in the air and land several feet away. He then allegedly left the scene, Albany Police said.

Kropf has serious injuries and a long recovery. She has begun speaking a little, her father told NewsChannel 13.

The investigation led to the identification of Breyette as the suspect. His Watervliet residence was searched around 6:15 a.m. Thursday and he was arrested.

Breyette has been charged with second-degree assault and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident as well as traffic violations.

He is being held in Albany County Jail and scheduled to be arraigned Friday morning in Albany City Criminal Court.

Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins released a statement on the arrest:

“Albany Police Department Detectives worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrator of this egregious, unconscionable act was held accountable.  Alexa and her family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as she recovers,” Hawkins said. “Our message is clear- the Albany Police Department will continue to use every available resource to pursue and bring to justice anyone who decides to commit acts of violence within the City of Albany.”

Mayor Kathy Sheehan also released a statement:

“I commend the members of the Albany Police Department who have worked around the clock and engaged in a multi-jurisdictional investigation to identify, locate, and apprehend the Watervliet resident we believe is responsible for seriously injuring Alexa Kropf.

“Chief Hawkins and I said immediately after this incident that were committed to utilizing every resource at our disposal – local, county, state, and federal – to find the suspect, arrest them, and bring them to justice, as well further enforce the City’s prohibition against these illegal vehicles operating on our streets, and we have done just that.

“I sincerely appreciate Chief Hawkins, his command staff, and the entire department for their commitment to keeping our residents and visitors safe and seeking justice for Alexa.”

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to NewsChannel 13 on air and online for updates.