Israeli Record: Motorcyclist Caught in the North at 285 km/h

A motorcyclist in Israel was caught traveling at 285 km/h and was apprehended after an airborne and ground pursuit, Israeli Police spokesperson said. In an incident involving a police helicopter, several patrol cars and, eventually, a police roadblock, the rider was stopped several days ago after being measured by a police laser device at 285 km/h. According to Traffic Division sources, this is the highest-speed citation ever issued by the traffic police.

Shortly before midnight, a police helicopter identified a rider on a Honda CBR1000RR-R on Route 70 at an extraordinary speed, and its crew reported the incident to Yamat officers. A police officer who spotted the motorcycle measured its speed with a laser device. The display showed 285, more than three times the speed limit on that stretch. The officer chased the rider in an attempt to stop him, but the rider tried to flee, including from a blockade of several patrol cars that was later set up on the road.

In coordination with the Israel Police air unit, the chase continued until the rider stopped at a gas station and fled on foot. Officers seized the motorcycle and continued the foot chase until his arrest. The rider, 24, from Ar'ara, was brought in for questioning by traffic investigators in Asher, and was then arrested. At a court hearing, his detention was extended for several more days, and yesterday it was extended until further notice. The motorcycle was seized and taken off the road.

Under a Supreme Court ruling, the police are required to deduct 5 km/h from the speed measured by the laser device, so the rider will receive a citation for 280 km/h. The Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is equipped with a 1,000 cc engine producing 218 hp. Its price in Israel starts at about 160,000 shekels.