East Lyme — Police have charged an 18-year-old dirt bike rider after an incident last week in which they say he filmed an officer's unsuccessful attempt to stop him and then had the video posted to TikTok.

Christopher Pond, 18, of 20 Quaker Lane, Quaker Hill, was charged Sunday with engaging police in pursuit, driving without a license and driving an unregistered motor vehicle after he turned himself in to police.    

According to police, on July 6 dirt bikes were operating erratically on Flanders Road around 7:45 p.m. when Officer William Turcotte attempted to stop one of them. Police say Pond ignored the cruiser's lights and siren and then filmed the attempted traffic stop with his cellphone while entering and exiting two parking lots at Midway Plaza.

Due to the time of day and traffic, police said his actions "created a significant danger to other motorists."

As officers worked to identify the dirt bike rider, police said Officer Taylor Desjardins became aware of a posting to a TikTok account showing the video taken by the bike operator. That led to police identifying and charging Pond. He was released on a $500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court July 22.

Police Chief Michael T. Finkelstein called the arrest of Pond another example of "the outstanding, patient work" his officers  continue to do each and every day.

Bands of youths illegally driving dirt bikes and ATVs which they then post videos of to social media have become a growing problem in the area, especially in New London where large packs of masked riders have been seen racing through city streets.