Teens arrested after e-bike chase involving police helicopter in Adelaide

Six teenage e-bike riders have been arrested on dangerous driving charges following a pursuit across Adelaide's central business district that involved a police helicopter. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon after police were called to West Terrace following reports of a group of riders damaging vehicles, obstructing traffic, and riding recklessly.

Patrols tracked the group to Victoria Park, where they were observed driving through red lights and engaging in several near misses with pedestrians. A PolAir helicopter was deployed, and officers apprehended one youth in a car park on Addie Place shortly after 12:30 p.m. Two other riders were intercepted in the western suburbs, including one near Adelaide Airport after abandoning his vehicle. Three additional riders were arrested at a residence in Malvern.

South Australia Police impounded the e-bikes for 28 days, stating they were illegally modified and would be classified as motorcycles under state law. The six boys, aged between 14 and 16, have been charged with a variety of offenses. These include failing to stop for police, driving unlicensed, acts to endanger life, property damage, and driving at a dangerous speed. They have been granted bail and are scheduled to appear in the Adelaide Youth Court in October.

Authorities are continuing their investigations to identify any other individuals involved in the incident. Police are appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone who witnessed the events, possesses dash cam footage, or had their vehicle damaged to contact Crime Stoppers, referencing 213462.