A dirt bike rider allegedly driving dangerously through south Auckland was caught after stalling the bike while attempting to flee police.
Officers observed the dirt bike rider allegedly weaving in and out of traffic on Bairds Rd, Ōtara on Sunday.
Counties Manukau East Police Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish said the rider was seen running a red light, but wasn’t pursued due to the potential risk the driver's behaviour posed to the public.
"A short time later police saw the dirt bike driving at speed on Sandbrook Avenue before stalling in a driveway on Bairds Rd," he said.
"Staff have then quickly taken him into custody, however a search has located bags of cannabis and methamphetamine, along with an amount of cash."
Cornish said the man now faced a range of charges including dangerous driving, possession for supply of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis.
A 23-year-old man had his bike impounded for 28 days and was remanded in custody.
He would reappear in Manukau District Court on February 20.
"Unsafe and illegal dirt bike riding activity possess a significant risk to not only themselves, but members of the public going about their business," Cornish said.
"Police will continue to respond and hold these offenders to account for this type of dangerous activity."
It's the latest in a spate of serious incidents related to dirt bikes in recent months.
Earlier this month, a group of dirt bikers in South Auckland drove into oncoming traffic, over footpaths and across fields where children were playing.
A 25-year-old Ōtara man was charged with reckless driving and aggravated failing to stop following the incident.
In another incident in Northland, a three-year-old boy suffered severe facial injuries after his 22-year-old father crashed while doubling him on a dirt bike.
The rider was facing child welfare and driving charges.
"A big problem is the fact that a lot of these bikes are not warranted. They're not registered, they're not roadworthy. The riders themselves are not licensed, and some of the driving behaviour is just dangerous, reckless and unruly," said Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, area prevention manager for Mid North police.
"There's no consideration for members of the public and other road users, and it's just a huge safety concern for us. I've seen first-hand people who have been seriously hurt, and the absolute last thing we want is for somebody to lose their life as a result of this sort of stuff."
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