Motorcyclist charged after filming himself speeding, fleeing from police in GTA
Posted October 17, 2024 11:48 am.
Last Updated October 21, 2024 3:25 pm.
CORRECTION (Oct. 21, 2024): This article clarifies that there were two people arrested in parallel investigations.
Two motorcyclists are facing numerous offences, including stunt driving, after parallel investigations, one conducted by York Regional Police and one by Peel Regional Police.
YRP charged Yinon Bitton, 23, of Vaughan, Ont. with 16 counts of dangerous operation, 14 counts of stunt driving and two counts of flight from police.
York Regional Police (YRP) shared details of Bitton’s arrest on Thursday, saying this individual put his own life at risk “for clout on social media.” He allegedly filmed himself speeding and fleeing from police.
In a news release, Peel Regional Police (PRP) noted that in September, investigators became aware of an online social media channel where multiple videos were being posted of a motorcycle “driving dangerously and at high rates of speed.” Between June and September, a rider allegedly posted multiple videos of himself driving.
The videos show a caption that reads, “I’m feeling [sic] kinda goofy today.” They also capture the motorcyclist speeding and dangerously weaving through vehicles.
Afterwards, a second caption reads, “Whoopsy. Silly me,” and shows the motorcyclist pulled over by YRP officers. The accused then speeds away through a local gas station.
No injuries were reported.
“‘Doing it for social’ is no excuse for dangerous driving,” wrote YRP on X. “Even if it’s for Instagram, there is no excuse for stunt driving.”
YRP said the motorcycle would be impounded for 14 days, and the accused’s licence would be suspended for 30 days. He could face a fine of up to $10,000, a lifetime licence suspension or six months in jail.
YRP said the arrest was made as part of Project Splitting Eagle, a partnership with PRP that tackles dangerous driving.
In a separate investigation, PRP charged Gregory Harrington, 40, of Bolton, Ont., with five counts of dangerous operation, five counts of driving a motor vehicle to perform a stunt, one count of racing a motor vehicle, and four counts of speeding.
