Police condemn "stupid, dangerous" 200 kph Central Otago motorcyclist

An Alexandra motorcyclist has been arrested after putting his life, and the lives of others, at risk in Central Otago today.

Police have released details of the incident that happened at 11.30am today (Dec 28) , a motorcycle was clocked at more than 70kmh over the speed limit near Wedderburn. Its rider failed to stop and was later seen accelerating to more than double the open road limit near Ranfurly.

Police did not pursue.

A short time after, the same bike attempted to drive around a parked Police car at the intersection of Bypass Road and Ranfurly Back Road, but crashed in the process, forcing the officer on the ground to take evasive action to avoid being struck.

The rider suffered minor injuries, as did the Police officer who arrested the rider at the scene.

Police said "This was a stupid, dangerous display of driving that put a lot of people at risk."

A 51-year-old male will face charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop.

With an influx of people on our roads these holidays, Police urge motorists to report dangerous driving when they see it. Please call 111 if it’s happening now, or make a report at 105.police.govt.nz if it’s after the fact.