Police arrest teenager after moped chase through Graz

Police arrested two teenagers after a 16-year-old moped rider fled a traffic stop in Graz, ORF reported. The rider allegedly drove at excessive speed, endangered a passer-by and repeatedly steered towards police officers before both teenagers were detained.

A police patrol spotted the electric moped carrying two youths on Lendkai in a southerly direction at about 7.30 p.m. on Monday. The rider and his passenger crossed a solid line. Despite being ordered to stop by loudspeaker, the 16-year-old continued driving, at times at excessive speed.

At Lendplatz, a passer-by tried to stop the moped. The rider drove towards him, forcing him to jump aside to avoid a collision. During the pursuit, the teenagers threw a small amount of drugs and a mobile phone onto the road. Police recovered the drugs.

The chase ended at Grillparzerstrasse and Kreuzgasse after the rider repeatedly drove towards police officers. The passenger fled on foot but was caught after a short pursuit and suffered minor injuries. The moped rider then tried to escape in a taxi but was also arrested. Both teenagers were reported to authorities.

Police seek witnesses after second chase

On Friday afternoon, another 16-year-old fled police at high speed on a motocross bike in Sinabelkirchen in the Weiz district. Police said the rider endangered other road users during the escape.

Officers noticed the unregistered motocross bike at about 5.30 p.m. When they tried to stop him, the teenager accelerated sharply and fled through several side streets before returning to the B65 road. Police eventually stopped him.

He was reported for several administrative offences and on suspicion of endangering physical safety. The Weiz police station is asking drivers who were endangered during the incident, or who witnessed particularly risky manoeuvres, to provide information on 059133 6260.