Vancouver Island motorcyclist faces charges after fleeing traffic stop

Central Saanich police are recommending charges after a motorcycle fled a traffic stop and was later brought to a stop with help from multiple police agencies on Vancouver Island.

The Central Saanich Police Service (CSPS) says officers were called May 21 at about 11:05 a.m. after a report of a suspicious motorcycle travelling northbound on the Patricia Bay Highway. The caller provided a licence plate that police say was not attached to a registered or insured vehicle.

An officer found the motorcycle, which was a 1980s Honda Goldwing, carrying a rider and passenger and tried to pull it over. Police say the rider did not stop and instead sped away through the community.

CSPS says the motorcycle was later found near the Keating Cross Road on-ramp after becoming stuck between concrete barriers while trying to pass through a narrow restricted area.

Police say the driving put other road users, pedestrians, and the passenger at risk.

With help from the Sidney RCMP, officers arrested a 24-year-old Esquimalt man. He is facing charges of fleeing from police and dangerous driving. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Victoria.

Several tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act were also issued. Crown counsel will review the case before deciding whether to approve the charges.

The 31-year-old female passenger was detained and later released without charges.

Police say the coordinated response helped bring the situation to a safe end and there were no reported injuries.