Helmet video shows police vehicle forcing 15-year-old moped rider off road

A helmet-camera video shows a police vehicle moving in front of and striking a 15-year-old moped rider at about 90 kilometres per hour in Tuusula on Saturday, Yle reports. Yle’s verification team analysed the footage, located where it was filmed and confirmed its authenticity.

Yle estimated the moped’s speed based on the distance it travelled and the time taken. Mopeds are not permitted to be modified to travel faster than 45 kilometres per hour.

The collision lasted less than half a second, leaving the rider virtually no time to react. The incident followed a police chase lasting less than 30 seconds on Palkkitiе, a roughly 600-metre road in Tuusula that ends at a forest shortly after the crash site.

The teenager was wearing jeans and a hoodie, with no protective equipment other than a helmet. Police said he suffered minor injuries and was examined by paramedics at the scene. The boy told Helsingin Sanomat that he had fractured the top of his foot and broken five bones in his hand. Yle has seen a photograph showing casts on his hand and leg.

A gathering of young moped riders was taking place at the scene, with several other young people visible along the roadside in the video.

Two pre-trial investigations have been launched. The Office of the Prosecutor General is investigating the police action on suspicion of breach of official duty, aggravated endangerment of traffic safety and causing injury. The officer under investigation has been transferred to other duties.

Helsinki Police is investigating the moped rider. He is suspected of aggravated endangerment of traffic safety, driving a vehicle without the required authorisation and a vehicle offence. Police said the moped had no registration plate.