1 Man Stole 2 Motorcycles in 3 Days, Police Say

A 42-year-old man stole a motorcycle in Bethlehem, wrecked it in Bucks County later that day, then returned to Bethlehem two days later and stole another motorcycle, city police allege in a criminal complaint.

Police do not know a home address for Christopher Ridgeway, though he is currently residing at Northampton County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail after he was arraigned Friday before District Judge Patricia Romig-Passaro on charges that he stole both bikes.

The first theft was reported to Bethlehem police at a little before noon on Oct. 26, according to the arrest affidavit. The owner said his blue, 40-year-old Triumph Tiger 750 had been stolen.

A little more than four hours later, that motorcycle was involved in an accident along Route 313 in Hilltown Township, police said. Christopher Ridgeway was identified as the operator of the motorcycle by township police.

The victim also picked Ridgeway—who has a criminal record—out of a photo lineup as the man who stole the bike, the affidavit said.

The second motorcycle, a red, 30-year-old Suzuki 650, was reported stolen at a little before 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. The victim said a tall, white man (Ridgeway is listed as 6-foot-4 on the criminal complaint) approached him and asked to test ride the motorcycle that he had for sale police said. Then he got on board and rode off.

The bike was recovered the following afternoon at 215 Canal Road in Williams Township, police said. Homeowners who live there said the rider, who called himself “Chris,” told them that his motorcycle broke down and that he needed money, according to the arrest affidavit.

One of the homeowners also picked Ridgeway out of a photo lineup, police said.

Ridgeway was charged with two felony counts each of theft and receiving stolen property and two more counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.