Teenage motorcyclist facing multiple charges after speeding near Merritt

MERRITT – Merritt RCMP and BC Highway Patrol caught a motorcyclist excessively speeding on the Coquihalla, near Merritt.

On May 14, a Merritt RCMP officer was conducting speed enforcement at Juliet Bridge on Highway 5 when a motorcycle sped by going 209 km/h. In the interest of public safety, the officer did not pursue the bike, instead calling ahead to his colleagues, where they ended up at the intersection of Voght Street. Police said the driver attempted a U-turn to evade the officers but crashed and was quickly taken into custody.

According to RCMP, the same driver was clocked going 199 km/h but did not stop for police on May 12.

The motorcycle was impounded and the driver, an 18-year-old Chilliwack man, now faces multiple charges and was released from custody, set to appear in court next month. Police said the man had his Novice motorcycle license and was determined to be carrying a separate fictitious driers license.

“Motorcycle safety can not be over-stated,” said Cpl. J.R. Michaud of BC Highway Patrol – Kamloops. “You aren’t inside the metal frame of a larger vehicle that could protect you in the event of a collision. Riding a motorcycle in this manner is shows a complete disregard for the safety of the public, and we’re glad that BC Highway Patrol was able to work together with Merritt RCMP to bring this incident to a safe conclusion with no injuries.”