A Ventura juvenile has been charged with two felony counts, including evading a peace officer and evading an officer while driving the wrong way, after allegedly speeding up to 60 mph on an electric motorcycle on the wrong side of the highway.
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has filed a total of eight counts against the unidentified minor. The charges include one felony count each for evading a peace officer and evading an officer while driving the wrong way. Additionally, two misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and operating a motorcycle without a valid license, along with four infractions for violations such as driving the wrong way on a divided roadway, were filed. The juvenile is scheduled for arraignment at the Juvenile Justice Center in Oxnard on July 20.
The incident began on June 10 when Ventura police officers, engaged in an e-bike enforcement operation at Ventura Community Park, attempted to stop the juvenile for riding his electric motorcycle on park grounds. The minor reportedly fled, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Kimball Road, weaving through traffic, and subsequently entering the northbound State Route 126 off-ramp. Authorities state the juvenile then proceeded onto the westbound State Route 126 on-ramp before exiting at Victoria Avenue, allegedly disregarding a stop sign.
The pursuit continued as the juvenile traveled northbound in the southbound lanes of Victoria Avenue, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph while heading in the wrong direction, according to authorities. The chase concluded when the rider stopped at Buena High School. Although officers were present, the spokesperson for the district attorney's office could not confirm if the driver was a student at the school.
The juvenile successfully evaded officers initially, and his motorcycle, valued at $5,000, was later found abandoned in an alley. However, the rider and his stepfather returned to the scene later that day to retrieve the motorcycle. He was subsequently cited and released, and the motorcycle was impounded. Officials noted that electric motorcycles are subject to the same regulations as traditional motorcycles, requiring a license, registration, insurance, and helmets.
The Ventura Police Department conducted the sting operation in response to over 100 calls for service this year related to minors operating electric bikes and motorcycles in an unsafe manner. This operation is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies across Southern California to address a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
