Ōtara dirt bike incident: Rider faces driving and drug charges, motorbike impounded

This dirt bike has been impounded for 28 days after police arrested its rider in South Auckland on Sunday for dangerous driving, possessing methamphetamine for supply, and possessing cannabis. Photo / NZ Police

A dirt bike rider allegedly weaved in and out of traffic, ran a red light and drove at speed before stalling in an Ōtara driveway, where arresting officers searching him found cash and bags of cannabis and methamphetamine, police say.

The 23-year-old’s dirt bike has since been impounded for 28 days and he is in custody before his next court appearance on multiple charges relating to the incident, Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish said.

Police first spotted the man driving his dirt bike “dangerously” on Sunday, said Cornish, of Counties Manukau East Police.

He was weaving in and out of traffic on Bairds Rd in Ōtara before running a red light. He wasn’t pursued because of the potential risk his behaviour posed to the public.

“A short time later, police saw the dirt bike driving at speed on Sandbrook Ave before stalling in a driveway on Bairds Rd.

“Staff have then quickly taken him into custody. However, a search has located bags of cannabis and methamphetamine, along with an amount of cash.”

The man was now facing a range of charges, including dangerous driving, possession of methamphetamine for supply and possession of cannabis, Cornish said.

“Unsafe and illegal dirt bike riding activity poses a significant risk to not only themselves, but members of the public going about their business.

“Police will continue to respond and hold these offenders to account for this type of dangerous activity.”

The man was due to appear in Manukau District Court on Friday next week, Cornish said.