In a major crackdown, Western Australia's gang crime squad has arrested and charged 18 patched members of the notorious Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang following a dramatic police pursuit through Perth's southern suburbs.
High-Speed Pursuit Triggers Freeway Shutdown
The incident unfolded on Friday evening, January 16, 2026, after police received reports of a large gathering of Bandidos members outside a service station on Safety Bay Road in Baldivis around 5:25pm. A significant police contingent, including the police air wing, was immediately deployed to the area.
Upon seeing ground crews activate their lights and sirens, the motorcycle riders allegedly sped off recklessly, forming a convoy heading northbound on the Kwinana Freeway. During the chase, two bikies, aged 44 and 41, allegedly attempted to obstruct several police vehicles to help the rest of the convoy escape.
Mass Arrests and Charges Laid
The pursuit forced police to shut down sections of the Kwinana Freeway near Millar Road, ultimately bringing the entire convoy to a halt. Photographs from the scene depicted a large collection of high-powered motorcycles lined up on the freeway shoulder, with some being loaded onto tow trucks by late evening.
In total, 18 men were arrested and slapped with 38 offences. All were charged with reckless driving to escape a police pursuit and driving a vehicle while failing to comply with a direction to stop in circumstances of aggravation. The two men who allegedly obstructed police face additional charges. All motorcycles involved in the incident have been seized by authorities.
Court Dates Set Following Gang Crime Squad Operation
The charged men are scheduled to appear in court on dates spanning from January 28 to February 9, 2026. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the WA Police Force's dedicated gang crime squad to target the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs in the state.
This incident on the Kwinana Freeway serves as a stark reminder of the resources deployed to combat organised crime groups and the serious consequences for those involved in reckless and dangerous behaviour on Western Australian roads.
