Strong arm of the law: Moment police officer SHOVES teenage motorbike thief, 17, off vehicle after lying in wait in bushes for him to ride past
Footage has captured the moment a police officer ambushed a teenager on a stolen motorbike by hiding in the bushes before knocking him off the vehicle and arresting him.
The 17-year-old had swiped a Honda PCX from outside a care home in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but failed to realise it had been fitted with a tracker.
The owner tipped police off to its whereabouts and motor patrols and a helicopter swooped to chase the thief, who panicked and put his foot down, sparking a cat and mouse chase across Newcastle.
Anticipating the direction in which he was travelling, PC Adam Fegan got out of his vehicle and lay in wait in some bushes ready to pounce.
PC Adam Fegan got out of his vehicle and lay in wait in some bushes ready to pounce
Dramatic footage released by police shows the moment the officer ambushed the driver and placed him under arrest.
On Wednesday the teen, who can't be named for legal reasons, appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court where he admitted theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without a license and without insurance.
He was handed a 12-month driving ban but also locked up for 18 months at a youth detention centre.
Anticipating the direction in which he was travelling, PC Adam Fegan got out of his vehicle and lay in wait in some bushes ready to pounce
Dramatic footage released by police shows the moment PC Fagan ambushed the driver and placed him under arrest
PC Fegan said: 'This reckless teen endangered the lives of countless road users and pedestrians aboard his stolen motorcycle that he treated like a toy.
'It was vitally important that he was stopped before he seriously injured himself or others and so, after anticipating his route, I raced to find a suitable hiding place and waited to pounce.
'I hope this serves as a reminder to those who take what is not theirs to take and for those who believe they are above the law - that us officers will do everything in our power to keep the people of Northumbria safe.'