Teenage bmx rider crashes scientology event – police car, viral footage, and legal trouble
A reckless teenage stuntman ignited a chaotic scene outside the Church of Scientology in Brisbane, culminating in criminal charges and a rapidly spreading viral spectacle.
A ‘speedrun’ gone wrong
Eighteen-year-old Zeppelin Witheridge, a member of the Brisbane-based freestyle BMX crew ‘Ween Crew,’ faces public nuisance and driving charges after using a police patrol car as a makeshift ramp during a botched attempt to replicate a viral Social Media challenge. The incident, dubbed a ‘Scientology speedrun,’ unfolded on May 9th, drawing a crowd of hundreds to the CBD.
The challenge – and the consequences
The trend, originating in Los Angeles and subsequently popping up globally, involves participants racing into Scientology buildings, attempting to navigate security and document their progress for online judgment. It's essentially treating a real-world building like a complex video game level – doorways as checkpoints, security guards as non-playable characters, and Social Media likes as the ultimate prize. Witheridge’s attempt, however, quickly devolved into a blatant disregard for safety and public order. Witnesses described a scene of exhilaration as onlookers filmed the bike launch over the vehicle’s bonnet, with others attempting to climb into the patrol car.
Police response and legal action
While no immediate arrests were made, the resulting footage – quickly disseminated across Social Media – prompted swift police action. Witheridge is now facing charges related to public nuisance, operating a vehicle without due care, and failing to wear a helmet. The case, briefly mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, saw his mother accompany him. The charges carry a potential fine of several thousand dollars, and the ongoing investigation highlights the escalating tactics employed by those participating in this increasingly disruptive trend.
Organized trespass and damage
The Church of Scientology has vehemently condemned the ‘speedruns,’ labeling them ‘organised trespass’ and harassment. They’ve reported instances of property damage and minor injuries sustained by staff, leading some centers to implement preventative measures, such as removing exterior door handles. This incident, however, represents a particularly dramatic escalation, demonstrating the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to participate in this bizarre and increasingly dangerous online phenomenon. The sheer volume of footage uploaded – and shared – underscores the challenge law enforcement faces in curbing this rapidly spreading spectacle.
A global fad with local fallout
This Brisbane incident is part of a wider global trend, with ‘Scientology speedruns’ documented in locations ranging from London to Vancouver. Participants meticulously analyze building layouts, sharing ‘cheat sheets’ and adopting disguises to evade security. Yet, despite these efforts, the allure of the challenge persists, highlighting a fascinating, albeit unsettling, intersection of Social Media, urban exploration, and defiant behaviour. The incident serves as a stark reminder that online trends, when taken to extremes, can have very real and potentially damaging consequences.