Yakima Police Appeal for Tips on Reckless Motorcycle Rider

Yakima Police are searching for a motorcycle rider who deliberately enticed police to pursue him throughout the city Thursday afternoon.

POLICE SAY THE RIDER WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS IN THE CITY

The incident started at about 1:30 p.m. on North 1st Street, where the rider was seen riding recklessly with a passenger on the back.
According to a post on the Yakima Police Department's Facebook page, the rider engaged in dangerous behavior, including riding on city sidewalks, traveling against traffic in oncoming lanes, and reaching speeds of 80 to 100 miles per hour within Yakima.

THE RIDER TRIED TO GET POLICE TO CHASE HIM BUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN

Police say the rider “deliberately” attempted to provoke officers into chasing him across the city, Union Gap, and onto the westbound interstate toward Ellensburg. However, police did not start a pursuit due to the danger posed to other drivers.

THE RIDER AND HIS PASSENGER FLED TOWARD ELLENSBURG

The rider was later spotted by Washington State Patrol aircraft and law enforcement in Yakima and Kittitas Counties. Despite efforts by Kittitas County authorities to locate the suspect and his passenger, they were unable to find them.
Late Thursday afternoon, police did spot a motorcycle at a gas station in Kittitas County, but it was later confirmed that the bike was not involved in the incident.

DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING THAT COULD HELP POLICE?

Yakima Police are actively searching for the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Yakima Police Department at 575-6200 or leave an anonymous tip with CrimeStoppers of Yakima County at 1-800-248-9980.