A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged after allegedly failing to stop for police while riding a moped in Auckland overnight.
Police say a patrol unit spotted the moped just after 12.30am in the Mt Albert area travelling without a headlight and at speed. Officers signalled for the rider to stop, but he failed to comply.
Senior Sergeant Guy Baldwin, Auckland City West Area Response Manager, said the situation was concerning due to both the lack of lighting and the speed at which the moped was travelling. Police did not immediately pursue the rider.
A short time later, the moped was found abandoned near Owairaka Park. Officers then saw the rider flee the scene on foot.
Another police unit tracked the man as he ran towards O’Donnell Avenue, where he was taken into custody without incident.
The man has been charged with failing to stop for police and driving while unlicensed in breach of a prohibition. He was due to appear in the Auckland District Court today.
Baldwin said it was fortunate the rider’s actions did not result in injury to himself or members of the public.
Image credit: Cottonbro Studio
