Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Charges are pending against a 13-year-old youth who, while operating a dirt bike unsupervised, fled from Bay Roberts RCMP last week.
While officers were driving a marked police vehicle on Route 70, the youth pulled up next to the patrol vehicle and sped off. A traffic stop was attempted but the youth fled from police and was seen passing other motorists on the roadway. In the interest of public safety, police did not pursue the dirt bike.
Moments later, the youth and the dirt bike were located off the roadway on L.T. Stick Drive. The youth, who had lost control of the dirt bike, was uninjured and was arrested. Signs of cannabis impairment were observed and the youth tested positive for cannabis on roadside drug screening equipment. The dirt bike was seized.
The youth was transported to Carbonear General Hospital where blood samples were collected as part of an impaired driving investigation. Officers await the results of the testing to determine if charges of impaired driving are appropriate.
Charges are also pending against the youth for flight from police and dangerous driving, as well as a number of violations of the Off-Road Vehicles Act.
The investigation is continuing and charges are expected against the parents/guardians of the youth for allowing unsupervised operation.
Bay Roberts RCMP is receiving an increasing number of complaints regarding the misuse of off-road vehicles, specifically dirt bikes. RCMP NL is working closely with the town and municipal enforcement to target this activity.
Anyone found operating off-road vehicles contrary to the Highway Traffic Act or Off-Road Vehicles Act will be charged, vehicles will be seized and, where applicable, parents/guardians will be charged.
To learn more about the Acts governing off-road vehicle use, please see the following:
Bay Roberts RCMP asks anyone witnessing dangerous/illegal operation of off-road vehicles to please contact them immediately at 709-786-2118. In cases of an emergency, call 911.