LONG BEACH, CA — Five electric motorcycles and a pocket bike have been seized in relation to a group riding recklessly throughout Long Beach, police say.
At around 4:22 pm on March 27, the Long Beach Police Department said it became aware of a group of about 50 people riding illegal electric motorcycles (aka e-motos), illegal miniature motorcycles (aka pocket bikes), and electric bicycles (e-bikes) recklessly throughout the city.
A plan was then developed to take enforcement action where appropriate, including resources from the LBPD’s South Division, West Division and Air Support Unit.
“Officers responded and conducted proactive enforcement action related to reckless driving and vehicle code violations,” a police spokesperson said.
The actions taken include:
The arrest a 17-year-old male for reckless driving-related booking charges.Citations issued to five people for vehicle code violations.The towing of five illegal e-motos and one illegal pocket bike.
“After learning about this large group, officers from multiple divisions worked together to impact the significant public safety risk these illegal e-bikes/pocket bikes can pose,” Chief of Police Wally Hebeish explained.
“Anyone who chooses to participate in reckless, illegal driving on our streets should be aware that we will continue to cite, arrest, and seize vehicles of those involved,” Hebish added.
Illegal street takeover incidents and suspicious activity can be reported by calling 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency, or by calling (562) 435-6711 for non-emergency police dispatch.
Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or at www.LACrimeStoppers.org.
