Accused driver of illegal dirt bike in court, victim in rehab

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Through police investigation, Austin Breyette of Watervliet was determined to have driven the dirt bike that hit Alexa Kropf. Breyette has 70 pages of charges against him. The allegations range from felonies to traffic tickets.

The accused 25-year-old was taken into custody through a search warrant at a home in Watervliet on Thursday. Wearing a tank top and no expression, he pleaded not guilty to all charges on Friday.

"These charges are just allegations. Any other comment that I may have will be completely inappropriate and improper right now because again, all we heard are the allegations right now. There's nothing really more to say until we know more about the facts and circumstances of this case," described Kurt Haas, Assistant Alternate Public Defender.

The prosecutor called Breyette a flight risk. She explained not only did he flee the scene, leaving Kropf critically injured with a broken pelvis, internal injuries, and head trauma, he also allegedly took the dirt bike out of town the next day and got rid of the clothes he wore during the alleged crime. Breyette's social media accounts were also said to be wiped clean. He also has only lived in the area for six months.

The judge granted bail. "It was $100,000 cash, $100,000 bond, $200,000 partially secured," stated Haas. NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski asked City Court if Breyette posted bail. To their knowledge, he has not.

An order of protection was also granted to Kropf. Alexa's father, Jim Kropf, told NEWS10 that she continues to fight on, taking baby steps towards the road home. Kropf has been released from the hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation facility closer to her home on Long Island.

"We are relieved and grateful to the Albany Police Department for their swift and diligent efforts in apprehending the individual responsible for the hit-and-run incident involving our daughter. From the moment the incident occurred, we had full confidence in the Albany Police Department's ability to bring the perpetrator to justice. We cannot thank them enough for their unwavering pursuit of justice in this case. Our daughter can now focus on her recovery, knowing that the responsible party will be held accountable," said Jim Kropf.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29 at 9:30 a.m.