E-motorcycle chase captured on officer’s bodycam in Orange County: ‘I would stop if I were you’

ORANGE, Calif. () — Authorities on Wednesday released body camera video that shows a chase in Orange involving a motorcycle officer and an e-motorcycle rider who was later cited for nine alleged violations.

“We heard you loud and clear about e-bikes at Grijalva Park,” the Orange Police Department said in a statement, referring to the recreation area on Prospect Street, a few blocks north of Chapman Avenue. “Our Motor Officers have been spending extra time in the area addressing illegal and unsafe e-bike riding. One rider recently decided that stopping for an officer was optional and attempted to make a quick getaway.”

In this case, the 13-year-old was not riding an e-bike and was instead on an e-motorcycle, meaning the vehicle doesn’t have pedals, reaches higher speeds and requires a license, insurance and registration.

In the footage, the officer is heard admonishing the suspect during the pursuit: “I would stop if I were you,” he says. “This is a really, really bad idea.

“I mean, we can keep going but it’s a bad idea,” the officer says as the e-motorcycle rider continues on without stopping. “Your face is on camera. I know you go to school around here. I’m gonna find you.”

The chase makes its way onto grass, a dirt-covered path, and then into an asphalt parking lot.

“What’s mom and dad gonna say when they see your face, when I show them this?” the policeman asks. “I promise I’m a better rider than you, too.”

Then, a taunt: “Oh, look, I’m still here,” the officer says, activating his motorcycle’s police siren before coming to a stop. “Get off the bike. Get off the bike or we’re gonna have big problems, bud.”

The chase resumes, this time at higher speed. After it comes to an end without incident, the body-camera footage shows the officer holding a lengthy ticket for nine alleged violations.

As the suspect sits on the ground, the officer recites the list of citations: Evading a police officer, fleeing, violating a municipal code, riding in an unsafe manner on a city park on a motorized vehicle, not having license plates on a motorcycle, not having a helmet, not having a valid license or a motorcycle license, not having insurance, registration, or mirrors on a motorcycle.

The e-motorcycle was impounded, according to police. The rider’s age was not released.