Two Palm Coast teenagers were arrested last week for allegedly fleeing deputies on their electric bikes, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has said. The two were both charged with crimes for their actions, which the FCSO says endangered multiple people. Both of their bikes were seized.
The incident began on July 2nd, when an FCSO deputy reportedly saw the teenagers riding their electric off-road bikes on the sidewalk near the intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Boulder Rock Drive. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the teens were said to have sped away in two different directions upon seeing him.
The first teen, a 15-year-old, was said to have been riding east in the westbound lanes of traffic against oncoming cars. When he got near the I-95 overpass, the FCSO says their deputy lost his line of sight with the teen. He would remain at-large until the following day.
The other teen, a 14-year-old, was located going west on a sidewalk along Pine Lakes Parkway when a second deputy responded to the situation. The FCSO says he tried to flee from the deputy, crossing the sidewalk into the road and weaving through traffic. His ride took him onto multipurpose trails, grass shoulders, and adjacent streets.
Eventually, the second teen reportedly crashed in a front lawn on Whippoorwill Drive. He was arrested there and charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement and fleeing with disregard for the safety of persons or property. Both charges are third degree felonies. He was booked into the county jail, then transferred to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. His parents then regained custody.
The next day, the other teen was located at his residence by deputies and arrested. He was charged with fleeing with disregard for the safety of persons or property and failing to register a motor vehicle. Like the other teen, he was booked at the county jail, processed by the Department of Juvenile Justice, and then returned to his parents.
“The reckless use of e-bikes and off-road bikes are increasing ever since the state reduced regulations,” said Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly. “We are committed to keeping Palm Coast safe for all residents, and I have instructed our general counsel to draft an ordinance for the City of Palm Coast to consider controlling e-bikes and off-road bikes that are being driven recklessly in our community. This type of reckless behavior puts everyone traveling and walking along our roadways and sidewalks at serious risk, and it will not be tolerated. If you flee from us, you will not only be arrested but we will seize your bike, too.”
