A Swedish police officer has been convicted for his role in a dangerous moped pursuit through Piteå. The high-speed chase occurred in August 2022 after a 15-year-old moped rider refused to stop for a routine check.
The pursuit lasted several minutes and wound through central Piteå's streets. The chase involved weaving between cars, crossing intersections, and passing close to residential properties.
Initially cleared of misconduct by a district court, the officer later faced consequences. An appeals court convicted him and imposed a 12,600 SEK fine. Sweden's Supreme Court has now upheld that conviction.
The Supreme Court ruled the officer should have known special rules apply to vehicle pursuits. Police guidelines state that reckless driving alone doesn't justify chasing mopeds.
Court documents showed the chase created multiple potentially dangerous traffic situations. Substantial risk of accidents existed throughout the pursuit.
Against this background, the actions cannot be considered minor, the court wrote in its decision.
Swedish police guidelines provide specific protection for riders of two-wheeled vehicles. Mopeds and motorcycles lack protective frames, making riders more vulnerable during chases.
Pursuits may only occur when exceptional reasons exist. Officers must exercise special caution considering the rider's exposed position.
Exceptional circumstances might include fleeing after committing a serious crime. Suspects posing immediate danger to public safety also qualify.
This case highlights the careful balance Swedish police must maintain between law enforcement and public safety. The courts have made clear that not every traffic violation warrants a high-risk pursuit.
Police in Sweden operate under strict pursuit guidelines designed to protect all road users. The Supreme Court's decision reinforces that these rules apply equally to moped chases.