Motorcyclist facing charges after hitting 209 km/h on Hwy 5 near Merritt

An 18-year-old BC motorcyclist is facing charges after allegedly being caught doing more than 200 km/h on the Coquihalla near Merritt and fleeing from police.

On May 14, an officer with the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) was conducting speed enforcement near Juliet Bridge on Hwy 5 when he clocked a motorcyclist travelling at 199 km/h in the northbound lane.

A release says the speed limit in that area is 100 km/h.

What’s more, officers say the bike matched the description of one that reportedly failed to stop for police on May 12.

When the BCHP officer attempted a traffic stop, the man allegedly failed to stop once again.

Instead of trying to chase the motorcycle, the officer radioed ahead to other officers to warn them the spider was headed to them, says the release.

Officers closer to Merritt clocked a final speed of 209 km/h before the young driver exited the highway and was met by an officer parked at an intersection on Voght Street in Merritt.

The release says the driver did a U-turn in a failed attempt to get away but wiped out and was quickly arrested.

“Motorcycle safety can not be overstated. You aren’t inside the metal frame of a larger vehicle that could protect you in the event of a collision,” said Cpl. J.R. Michaud of BC Highway Patrol.

“Riding a motorcycle in this manner 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 18-year-old Chilliwack man's bike was impounded and confirmed to be the one that had previously fled from police earlier this month.

Officers also found that the youth was carrying a novice motorcycle license as well as a separate “fictitious” driver’s license.

The BCHP released the youth from custody with a court date next month.