By Cameron Weston
FOUR police cars and an air wing helicopter chased a man riding a quad bike through the streets of Newport last Tuesday afternoon.
Acting Sergeant Charmaine Hosking from Altona North Police said police had spotted the 17-year-old man riding the unregistered quad bike without a helmet around 4pm.
He refused to stop and sped away, sparking the 15-minute chase.
“He decided it was better to run than stop,” Acting Sgt Hosking said.
A police helicopter, in the area on an unrelated matter, joined the chase, tracking the man as he sped through the streets of Newport.
A witness, John, said that he saw the man drive the wrong way down Mason St and disappear into Paisley Park, before coming back the other way a short time later, also against traffic.
“There were cars pulling over to the curb trying to dodge him,” John said.
“He had no thought for anybody. It was up to the cars to get out of the way as far as he (the rider) was concerned.”
Acting Sgt Hosking said it was only good luck that prevented the man from colliding with bystanders or other vehicles.
“It was incredibly irresponsible of him to endanger the kids and families in [Paisley] Park.
“Children had to jump out of the way of the vehicle,” he said.
The man has been charged with speeding, driving an unregistered vehicle and dangerous driving.
