Two Palm Coast juveniles were arrested last week by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies after leading law enforcement on high-speed chases on electric off-road motorcycles, reportedly endangering motorists and pedestrians.
In the early afternoon of July 2, an FCSO Motors Unit deputy attempted a traffic stop at Palm Coast Parkway and Boulder Rock Drive after observing two juveniles riding electric off-road motorcycles on the sidewalk. Both riders, showing “total disregard for public safety,” fled at high speeds in opposite directions. One rider, identified as Christopher Edward Walker, 15, was seen traveling eastbound in westbound lanes against heavy oncoming traffic before the deputy lost sight of him near the I-95 overpass.
A second Motors Unit deputy located the other rider, Andrew Bernard Gaines, 14, traveling westbound on a sidewalk along Pine Lakes Parkway. Gaines also fled upon seeing the deputy, moving from the sidewalk to the roadway, weaving through oncoming traffic, and continuing at high speeds across multipurpose trails, grassy areas, and side streets. Gaines was apprehended when he lost control and crashed onto the grass in front of a home on Whippoorwill Drive in a residential neighborhood.
Gaines was arrested for fleeing and eluding law enforcement and fleeing with disregard for the safety of persons or property, both third-degree felonies. He was processed at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released to his parent by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
On July 3, deputies located and arrested Walker at his residence. He was charged with fleeing with disregard for the safety of persons or property and failing to register a motor vehicle. Walker was also transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility for processing before being released to his parent by the DJJ.
Both electric off-road motorcycles were seized for potential forfeiture.
“The reckless use of e-bikes and off-road bikes are increasing ever since the state reduced regulations,” said 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.”
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