Police are searching for multiple dirtbike riders after two separate stunt-driving incidents in the Timberlea area on April 29 — including one driver who fled from officers without a helmet.
The Wood Buffalo RCMP Municipal Traffic Services, assisted by a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) — more commonly known as a drone — were conducting patrols around 3:27 p.m. when they spotted a dirtbike performing stunts on Carteret Drive.
When officers attempted to pull the driver over, they fled “with complete disregard for their own safety and that of the other users of the roadway,” RCMP said in a media release.
Less than an hour later, at approximately 4:11 p.m., traffic officers spotted three more dirtbikes travelling along Rainbow Creek Drive. None of the three had licence plates, and one rider was not wearing a helmet.
A second traffic stop was attempted, but again, all three riders took off. In both cases, police chose not to engage in a pursuit due to the significant risk to the public and the drivers themselves.
However, the RCMP drone captured clear pictures of the dirtbikes and their drivers, which are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Despite increased patrols and repeated safety information disseminated by RCMP on the dangers of driving off-highway vehicles in such a manner, Wood Buffalo RCMP continue to see an increase in these incidents. RCMP would like to remind residents that operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) in such a manner is dangerous, can cause serious injuries or death, is illegal and can result in criminal charges and fines. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is strictly prohibited on Fort McMurray roads outside of the Abasand neighbourhood and on all sidewalks, parks, green spaces and urban trails. Wood Buffalo RCMP, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) Bylaw Services, continue to patrol and conduct enforcement related to illegal off-highway vehicle use in Fort McMurray.
Police are reminding residents that operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) this way is illegal, dangerous, and can result in serious injuries or death, as well as criminal charges and fines.
OHV use is strictly prohibited on Fort McMurray roads outside of the Abasand neighbourhood, and on all sidewalks, parks, green spaces, and urban trails.
Wood Buffalo RCMP, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Bylaw Services, continue to conduct enforcement patrols targeting illegal OHV use.
Anyone with information about the dirtbikes or drivers is asked to contact Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788-4000 or 310-RCMP (7267). Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or through the P3 Tips app.
