CHP: One arrested, motorcycle towed after rider pops wheelie in front of officers on Bay Bridge

(KRON) — California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers chased down and arrested a fleeing motorcyclist who allegedly popped a wheelie in front of officers on the Bay Bridge Saturday.

CHP officers responded to I-80 Saturday evening after a group of motorcyclists were seen taking part in “inappropriate riding activities,” CHP said. Arriving on scene, officers watched a black and purple Kawasaki performing the alleged wheelie and attempted to pull the rider over.

“As CHP personnel positioned themselves strategically in the area and monitored the improper driving behavior of one of the riders within the group, a black Kawasaki motorcyclist was observed actively performing ‘a wheelie,’ on I-80 eastbound, entering the I-880 southbound transition ramp,” CHP said.

The sergeant of the San Francisco CHP motorcycle unit activated his lights and sirens and pulled alongside the Kawasaki, CHP said. The rider allegedly exited the freeway and failed to stop.

Two more CHP motorcycle officers joined the chase and tracked the Kawasaki through city streets near the Port of Oakland before stopping and arresting the suspect.

“Eventually, this motorcycle rider made the right choice and pulled over before he or someone else could have potentially been hurt,” CHP said. “Red lights and siren, from a police vehicle or police motorcycle, require all drivers of any vehicle to yield to the right and stop. This is not a suggestion.  What may have resulted in a minor traffic infraction and citation has now been escalated to a more serious offense based on the actions of this individual.”

The rider’s motorcycle was towed and taken to an impound yard.

“Our public roadways are not a place for these activities to occur at any time of the day or night,” CHP said. “Your CHP San Francisco area personnel [are] committed to ensuring the safety of our roadways for all of the motoring public and will not tolerate improper driving behavior.  Please drive responsibly.”