Police apprehend fleeing moped rider in Valkeakoski after dramatic chase
A chaotic scene unfolded in Valkeakoski on Wednesday evening as police pursued a moped rider who had violated multiple traffic regulations. The incident, captured on video by eyewitnesses, occurred shortly after 8:00 PM near the Market Square.
According to Ilta-Sanomat, the moped rider entered an intersection with a police car in pursuit, sirens blaring. As the fugitive attempted to turn left, he lost control and fell to the ground. Despite the fall, he tried to push his moped and flee, leading to a brief struggle with two officers.
Footage obtained by Iltalehti shows one officer diving to grab the fleeing rider by his trousers, while another struck the suspect in the back of the knee with a telescopic baton. The officers eventually subdued the rider, who was placed in handcuffs and taken into custody.
Detective Inspector Marko Peltonen from the Eastern Finland Police Department confirmed that the moped rider, who is under 18, had committed several traffic violations, including running red lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, and speeding on a pedestrian and bicycle path. The moped was also found to be illegally modified, classifying it as a light motorcycle. The rider is now suspected of gross endangerment of traffic safety.
Peltonen stated that the suspect "somewhat" resisted arrest but emphasized that no bystanders or the rider were harmed. "Hopefully, he learns from this and won’t flee from the police in the future," he added (Ilta-Sanomat).
The Central Finland Police Department confirmed the operation but did not comment on the use of force during the detention (Iltalehti).