A motorcyclist who drove through the streets of Tauranga reaching speeds of up to 140km/h on Wednesday afternoon is facing three charges today.
A 61-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly failing to stop for police when they attempted to pull him over on State Highway 29 around 4.30pm.
Police chased the driver down Takitimu Drive before being ordered to abandon the pursuit when speeds reached around 140km/h.
Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion says the pursuit was abandoned after sometime because it was obvious the motorcyclist wasn’t going to stop.
“Generally the speeds weren’t high although it was reported he got up to 140km/h at one stage on Takitimu Drive.
“Obviously that speed is way too high for that area and as a result of that, and the fact traffic conditions were heavy at the time, the pursuit was abandoned.”
Ian says the man was arrested at Sulphur Point and charged with for failing to stop, driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.
“His motorcycle was impounded and he will appear in the Tauranga District Court.”
Cameron Folley from Top Catch Tackle in Mirrielees Road says a motorbike was seen at Sulphur Point around 4.30pm.
“There were two police cars chasing him and another four coming down the road.”
Cameron says the motorbike took off and headed over the Tauranga Harbour Bridge.
In a separate incident, police received a complaint about a motorcyclist allegedly travelling at 200km/h down Papamoa-Beach Road on Wednesday afternoon.
Ian says Police were unable to locate the motorcyclist.