Police Crack Down on Dangerous Riding Incident – Teens Face Multiple Charges
Yesterday, Westgate Highway Patrol officers apprehended three teenagers and confiscated multiple dirt bikes following a perilous riding incident that occurred in Truganina approximately two months ago.
After conducting a thorough investigation and launching a public appeal last month, law enforcement officials executed five search warrants at various locations in Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, and Williamstown on Tuesday, September 19th.
Three 15-year-old boys were taken into custody and subsequently charged with several traffic-related offenses, including:
– Reckless conduct endangering serious injury
– Dangerous driving
– Careless driving
– Driving without a valid license
– Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
– Inappropriate use of a motor vehicle
– Using an unsafe or non-roadworthy vehicle
– Disregarding red traffic signals
These arrests follow an incident on Sayers Road in Truganina that took place on July 29th when around 15 individuals allegedly engaged in dangerous riding in front of a police vehicle. During that event, one person was initially arrested, but the group of riders allegedly returned, encircling the police officers while riding on the wrong side of the road and hurling dirt and rocks at both the officers and their vehicle. On that day, two dirt bikes were confiscated.
Police dashcam of the incident was released.
The trio was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in a juvenile court at a later date.
Furthermore, investigators seized three dirt bikes and plan to seek forfeiture through the legal process.
Westgate Police Division Inspector Jennifer Horgan made the following statements:
“Westgate Highway Patrol is relentless in tracking down those who think they can endanger our roads and get away with it.
“I’m urging parents to have a conversation with their children around the safe use of bikes as riding them on our streets and through parks illegally is not OK.
The dirt bike riders also released their own video.
“You might think it’s harmless fun but one day it could end in tragedy.”
The police will continue their investigation into the incident, with the possibility of additional arrests on the horizon.
Anyone with information regarding illegal dirt bike riding is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
If you witness illegal or hazardous dirt bike riding in progress, please immediately dial Triple Zero (000).
