Chilliwack teenager arrested after motorcycle clocked at 209 km/h on Coquihalla near Merritt

MERRITT, B.C. — An 18-year-old from Chilliwack was clocked going 209 km/h on the Coquihalla Highway last weekend.

In a news release issued Wednesday (May 24), BC Highway Patrol says a motorcyclist was seen travelling 199 km/h within a 100 km/h zone in the northbound lanes at the Juliet Bridge near Merritt at around 7:00 p.m. on May 14. Highway Patrol adds the motorcycle matched the description of a speeding motorcycle that had failed to stop for police on May 12.

The motorcyclist was seen going at a final speed of 209 km/h before exiting off Highway 5 and ended up at the intersection of Voght Street in Merritt. He then performed a U-turn in an attempt to get away from a Merritt RCMP officer, although Highway Patrol says he wiped out and was quickly arrested.

“Motorcycle safety cannot 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.”

The motorcycle was impounded, and the rider and owner with a novice motorcycle licence was also found to be carrying a separate fake driver’s licence. He was released from custody but faces multiple charges. His matter is before the courts.