A dirt bike rider’s attempt to back away from a police officer didn’t end well for them. The rider ended up on the ground with the motorcycle moving without him. The bike headed toward people on Wellington’s waterfront before striking a concrete bollard.
New Zealand Police said the 31-year-old was one of two people riding erratically through central Wellington on Monday, Aug. 17. An officer anticipated where the pair was going and positioned himself along their likely route.
When the officer stepped into the road and signaled for the riders to stop, both reportedly attempted U-turns. One rider fell from his motorcycle, got back to his feet, and tried to continue on without it.
Inspector Paul Hamlyn said, according to the official police account on Facebook, “Were it not for the quick actions of the officer, this could have turned out worse. Thankfully, we’re now able to return the (NZ)$22,000 motorcycle to its owner.”
The Officer Anticipated the Riders’ Route
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The officer was arriving at the Police Maritime base when he heard reports of dirt bikes traveling along Taranaki Street toward the waterfront. He worked out where the riders were likely headed and waited for them. After falling, the rider ran from the scene. Police said a member of the public attempted to help by trying to knock him over, but he continued toward Customhouse Quay.
The officer followed on foot and, with assistance from Wellington’s beat team, caught him. The police release did not provide an update on the second rider.
Commenters debated the estimated value of the vehicle with one person writing on the post, “Don’t you mean 2,200 lol” while another said, “That bike ain’t worth 22k dreamer.”
The Charge Does Not Identify Who Originally Stole the Bike
The rider is charged with unlawfully getting on a motorcycle, dangerous driving and failing to stop when required. He is scheduled to appear in Wellington District Court on Aug. 24.
Police have not accused him of carrying out the original theft. New Zealand law separately covers entering or getting onto a vehicle dishonestly and without a legitimate claim to it. Hamlyn said no bystanders, officers or riders were injured.
Dangerous Driving Carries a Compulsory Disqualification
Under New Zealand’s Land Transport Act, dangerous driving that does not cause an injury can result in up to three months in prison or a fine of up to NZ$4,500. A conviction also requires a driving disqualification lasting at least six months, according to Community Law.
Those are the maximum penalties allowed by law, not a prediction of what the rider will receive. The charges remain pending at this time.