Port Moody police arrested a 14-year-old youth this week after he was caught illegally riding an electric dirt bike and performing dangerous stunts on Ioco Road, a busy city street. The teen faces criminal charges and had his bike seized after unsuccessfully resisting arrest, according to a police statement.
Reckless Riding and Stunts
Police allege that the youth rode in oncoming lanes of traffic at high speeds multiple times and performed stunts. Investigators believe the same youth is linked to other recent dangerous incidents in Port Moody, including fleeing from police during an attempted traffic stop and riding a dirt bike through the interior of a restaurant about two weeks ago. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Police are recommending charges that may include criminal offences such as dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, as well as motor vehicle violations including driving without insurance and driving without a licence. “We understand there is growing frustration surrounding these illegal, uninsured dirt bikes,” police said in a statement, noting that these bikes can travel at speeds over 100 km/h and are often operated dangerously on city roadways. “We continue to conduct enforcement related to these types of bikes and strongly urge parents of riders (as the riders are most often youth) to be aware of the legal consequences and safety risks associated.”
Related E-Dirt Bike Crash in Burnaby
Separately, Burnaby RCMP is seeking witnesses or dashcam footage of a crash involving an e-dirt bike and a youth on Barnet Highway. On Tuesday at about 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a serious motor vehicle collision westbound on Barnet Highway, near Cariboo Road North. The crash sent a 15-year-old boy to hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene to speak with police.
