A 14-year-old Big Pine Key male was arrested on March 4 after he reportedly fled from the sheriff’s deputies on an e-bike.
A deputy was making a turn onto Key Deer Boulevard from U.S. 1 at approximately 6:50 p.m. when two e-bikes drove through the intersection, causing the deputy to brake and avoid a collision. The deputy attempted to stop the two riders, but they fled southbound. One of the riders attempted to cut through a gravel parking lot and crashed. That driver was arrested.
“These e-bikes are popular, but they remain largely unregulated and can be dangerous,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I hope our legislature addresses this soon and enacts laws that improve safety and help law enforcement. In the meantime, riders should be aware of and follow all normal traffic laws or face being fined or worse — arrested.”
The juvenile was charged with fleeing and eluding. The incident remains under investigation and more arrests/charges may be pending. There were no reported injuries.
