York Regional Police say a motorcyclist whose plate read "RUN THIS" was tackled off his bike after stopping on the shoulder near 16th Ave. and Mutual St. in Richmond Hill on Aug. 9. Bodycam footage shows an officer approach, call the rider's behavior "taunting," then sprint in and tackle him. The rider faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code and Ontario law, with potential penalties including fines, licence suspensions and, for indictable offences, sentences up to 10 years.
Motorcyclist With 'RUN THIS' Plate Tackled by York Regional Police After Alleged Hit-and-Run
Photo York Regional Police
A motorcyclist whose licence plate read "RUN THIS" was tackled off his bike by York Regional Police after stopping on the shoulder of a Richmond Hill road following an alleged attempt to flee the scene of a collision, police say.
What Happened
The incident occurred on Aug. 9 near 16th Avenue and Mutual Street in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Police say the rider had been involved in a collision and was ordered to return to exchange information. Instead, officers allege, he left the scene and continued to evade police even after being told he was under arrest.
Body-Camera Footage
York Regional Police released body-worn camera footage showing an officer approach the stopped motorcycle from behind while the rider faces forward. As the cruiser rolls across nearby grass, the officer is heard telling dispatch,
"It looks like he's trying to taunt us."
The officer exits the cruiser, removes his sunglasses and closes the distance on foot. When he reaches striking range he sprints the final steps and tackles the rider clear of the motorcycle. The force later described the move—timed with the NFL season—as a "beautiful form tackle" and advised would-be fugitives to "keep your head on a swivel."
Charges And Legal Context
The rider now faces multiple charges, including failing to stop after an accident, fleeing a peace officer, driving without insurance, failing to disclose insurance information after an accident, and permitting or using an unauthorized plate. York Regional Police did not identify the rider in their public post.
Federal law references include Section 320.16 of the Criminal Code (leaving an accident and failing to provide required information) and Section 320.17 (failing to stop when pursued by a peace officer). Both offences may be prosecuted either summarily or by indictment; on indictment they can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years. Summary convictions carry lesser penalties (up to two years less a day, fines, or both).
Provincial penalties in Ontario may also apply: the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act allows fines from $5,000 to $25,000 for first convictions involving uninsured vehicles and possible licence suspensions up to one year. The Highway Traffic Act provides fines from $100 to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail for specified number-plate violations, and permits licence suspensions up to six months.
Final Note
All parties are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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