A dirt bike rider has been arrested after an alleged joyride through central Wellington ended with a foot chase along the waterfront.
Police said an officer arriving at the Police Maritime Unit base on Monday heard reports of dirt bike riders travelling erratically along Taranaki Street and heading towards the waterfront.
Anticipating where the riders might go, the officer positioned himself along their likely route.
Two dirt bikes soon approached and the officer stepped onto the road, signalling for the riders to stop.
Police said one rider attempted to make a U-turn but fell from the motorcycle, sending the bike riderless towards nearby pedestrians.
The motorcycle instead struck a concrete bollard and no one was injured.
The rider then allegedly ran from the scene. A member of the public attempted to stop him before the officer gave chase.
The officer caught up with the man on Customhouse Quay, where he was detained with assistance from Wellington beat officers.
Wellington Police Inspector Paul Hamlyn said the incident could easily have ended more seriously.
“Were it not for the quick actions of the officer, this could have turned out worse,” Hamlyn said.
“Thankfully, we’re now able to return the $22,000 motorcycle to its owner.”
A 31-year-old man is due to appear in Wellington District Court on August 24 charged with unlawfully getting on a motorcycle, driving in a dangerous manner and failing to stop when required.
Police said further inquiries were continuing.
