Comox Valley RCMP say a night of dangerous riding in Courtenay ended with arrests, tickets and seized vehicles — and without a police pursuit.
In an October 13 news release, police said they were continuing an investigation into a series of incidents involving youths operating high-powered electric motorcycles and scooters dangerously on Courtenay roads, fleeing from police, and allegedly engaging in other disruptive and criminal behaviour.
On the evening of September 25, police received reports of riders performing stunts near Highway 19A and Dingwall Road, and a report that an object had been thrown at a passing vehicle, causing damage. Officers later located two riders and tried to stop them. Both fled. For public-safety reasons, police said, officers did not initiate a pursuit. The riders were later identified, located and arrested that evening. Police issued both riders multiple violation tickets and seized the electric dirt bike and scooter. Both individuals were released and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
While that investigation was happening, police observed three additional riders in the parking lot of the Comox Valley RCMP detachment. The group appeared to be performing stunts and attempting to provoke officers into pursuing them. Their behaviour escalated, police said, when members of the group allegedly attempted to enter parked police vehicles. Officers again avoided a vehicle pursuit. Through a coordinated response, police were able to safely arrest one youth and seize an electric scooter. The youth was issued violation tickets, the scooter was seized, and they were released while the criminal investigation continues.
Police said they are continuing to investigate whether any of these youth are connected to other recent incidents reported in the Comox Valley. Constable Monika Terragni, a media relations officer for the detachment, said the circumstances presented a difficult policing challenge, and that officers relied on patience, coordination, observations and follow-up investigation rather than being drawn into a dangerous pursuit.
Comox Valley RCMP reminded parents and guardians that electric dirt bikes and scooters are subject to provincial laws governing where and how they can be operated, and that riders who fail to stop for police or operate in a manner that endangers the public may also face criminal investigation. Anyone who witnesses dangerous or unlawful behaviour involving these vehicles is encouraged to report it. Where it is safe to do so, police said, descriptions of the rider and vehicle, location and direction of travel, and available video may assist investigators.
The official release does not name the youths involved. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. The Comox Valley RCMP non-emergency number is 250-338-1321.
Source: Comox Valley RCMP, Oct. 13, 2026.
