Stunt motorcyclist faces charges after posting wheelies online to provoke police
Gatineau rider repeatedly performed dangerous stunts alongside police cruisers to draw attention and web hits, authorities say.
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A would-be social media daredevil faces multiple charges including dangerous driving and fleeing police after repeatedly performing high-speed stunts on his motorcycle next to police cruisers, authorities say.
On June 24, Gatineau police observed a motorcycle without licence plates pull alongside a police cruiser and perform a high-speed wheelie. No arrest was made at the time, but a follow-up investigation uncovered several social media videos showing similar stunts in Gatineau and West Quebec. Police linked "similar incidents" that occurred in Sûreté du Québec territory as well.
Meagel Lannigan-Joly, 24, of the Papineau district east of Gatineau, was due in court Thursday on charges of dangerous driving and flight from police. Investigators determined the rider was deliberately trying to provoke police pursuit and generate online attention through the videos, which were posted on a popular video-sharing platform.
At a glance
Where is the motorcyclist from?
Meagel Lannigan-Joly, 24, is from the Papineau district east of Gatineau.
What charges does he face?
Meagel Lannigan-Joly faces charges of dangerous driving and flight from police.
