LAKE FOREST, CA – Authorities are searching for two juveniles who drove electric bikes inside an Orange County Walmart on Sunday afternoon, nearly striking terrified shoppers before fleeing the scene.
The Chaos Inside Walmart
The reckless incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. at the Walmart located at 26502 Towne Center Drive in Lake Forest. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the two young riders entered through one of the store’s main entrances on their e-bikes.
Witnesses reported that the kids tore through the retail aisles, weaving around displays and almost hitting multiple customers. They managed to escape through the store’s garden center before deputies arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no property damage was filed by the store.
Part of a Growing Regional Problem
This incident comes as Southern California law enforcement agencies face a surge in dangerous e-bike activity. Authorities across the region are cracking down on:
- Riders performing high-risk stunts on public roads.
- Large groups taking over streets and disrupting traffic.
- The illegal operation of high-powered electric bikes that require a motorcycle license.
Fatal Consequences and Increased Enforcement
The dangers of unregulated e-bike riding hit Lake Forest recently when an 81-year-old man died after being struck by a 14-year-old boy performing wheelies on an e-motorcycle. The teenager’s mother was subsequently charged in connection with the fatal crash.
In response, police departments are ramping up both educational campaigns for parents and strict enforcement, which includes issuing hefty citations and impounding non-street-legal electric vehicles.
