Comox Valley RCMP have arrested several youths and seized electric bikes and scooters following reports of dangerous riding in Courtenay.
Police said two riders fled from officers near Highway 19A and Dingwall Road on Sept. 25.
“For public safety reasons, officers did not initiate a pursuit. Instead, they continued the investigation using other techniques. The riders were ultimately identified, located and arrested later that evening,” said a statement from Comox Valley RCMP.
Officers also arrested a youth after a group allegedly performed stunts and tried to enter parked police vehicles at the RCMP detachment.
“As the first investigation was happening, police observed three additional riders in the parking lot of the Comox Valley RCMP detachment. The group appeared to be performing stunts and attempting to provoke officers into pursuing them. Their behaviour escalated when members of the group allegedly attempted to enter parked police vehicles,” said RCMP.
Police are investigating possible links to other incidents and reminding riders that dangerous operation of electric bikes and scooters can have legal consequences.
“These circumstances presented a difficult policing challenge because officers endeavoured to hold those involved accountable without allowing themselves to be drawn into a dangerous pursuit,” said Cst. Monika Terragni. “Rather than allowing themselves to be drawn in, our officers relied on patience, coordination, observations and follow-up investigation. By the end of the evening, several individuals had been identified, arrests had been made, vehicles and evidence had been secured, numerous violation tickets had been issued, and criminal investigations were underway.”
RCMP are asking anyone who encounters dangerous behaviour involving e-bikes and e-scooters to contact police.
