OFF THE WIRE
By GARETH WILSON The Herald..
MAYHEM erupted yesterday morning when a charity biker rally for under- privileged children in Port Elizabeth turned chaotic after a suspected drunk driver “zigzagged” and “swerved” through a convoy of bikers.
At least five bikers were hit, and a 10- year-old girl was wounded .
The charity event, known as the Toy Run, is part of an annual biker rally that aims to donate toys and money to under-privileged children in the Port Elizabeth area.
The accident happened outside Moffett-on-Main Shopping Centre shortly after 10am while thousands of bikes drove in convoy down William Moffett towards Buffelsfontein.
Witnesses said the 23-year-old driver of a dark blue Uno jumped a red traffic light and chased up William Moffett, hitting numerous bikes, as he swerved in an attempt to flee .
Biker and witness Gerald van Rensburg described the accident as a “scene from the movies” when the Uno driver drove straight into the middle of the convoy and started swerving back and forth.
“He drove as if he owned the road and after driving about 400m he rear-ended a bike with his front fender.”
A pursuit ensued during which time the driver went through “numerous” stop streets before his front left tyre came off the rim.
He managed to keep driving until he stopped outside a Martin Street house where he ran inside.
This later turned out to be his parents’ home.
Bikers ran after the man and when he ran inside he slammed the door shut.
But the bikers kicked it open and held him for the police to arrive and arrest him.
The driver of the vehicle was charged with attempted murder, driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving.
He is due to appear in court today. —
