ORANGE, CA – A teenager’s attempt to outrun a motorcycle officer on an e-bike at Grijalva Park ended with a lengthy ticket and a seized vehicle, highlighting a growing countywide crackdown on unsafe riding.
Failed Getaway Captured On Camera
The incident occurred at Grijalva Park when an Orange Police Department motorcycle officer attempted to stop a young rider. Instead of pulling over, the teen tried to make a quick getaway through the park’s pedestrian areas.
Bodycam video shared by the department shows the officer calmly pursuing the rider while delivering a running commentary, warning the teen that his face was on camera and that his parents would soon be notified. The chase came to an abrupt end moments later when the officer blocked the rider’s path.
Nine Citations Issued
Following the stop, police officially impounded the vehicle—which was classified as a motorcycle due to its specifications—and slapped the juvenile with nine separate citations.
According to police officials, the infractions included:
- Evading a police officer and fleeing
- Riding unsafely in a city park and violating municipal codes
- Operating a motorcycle without license plates, insurance, or registration
- Riding without a helmet or a valid driver’s license
- Lacking required vehicle equipment, including mirrors
Countywide Crackdown On Dangerous Riding
The viral incident comes as Orange County law enforcement agencies aggressively step up efforts to rein in reckless e-bike behavior following mounting resident complaints and local injuries.
Nearby, the Tustin Police Department recently announced strict enforcement of a new ordinance prohibiting e-bikes from speeding through parks, riding against traffic, or carrying unauthorized passengers. Officials noted that e-bike crashes have unfortunately become a leading cause of traumatic injuries among children under 18 in the region.
Other recent local incidents include two juveniles riding e-bikes through a Walmart in Lake Forest, and a tragic fatal collision involving an 81-year-old pedestrian in the same city, which resulted in felony charges.
