A 16-year old Thousand Oaks teen was arrested on suspicion of felony reckless evading after fleeing from deputies during a traffic enforcement operation in Thousand Oaks, authorities said.
In February 2026, deputies with the Thousand Oaks Police Department observed the boy riding an off-highway electric motorcycle in the opposite direction of traffic near Erbes Road and Hillcrest Drive. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the boy, whose identity was not released due to his age, failed to yield and allegedly evaded authorities while committing several vehicle code violations.
Deputies ended the pursuit after determining it was unsafe to continue, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said.
Following the incident, deputies launched an investigation and were able to identify the motorcyclist. Authorities said the teen had evaded law enforcement on multiple previous occasions while riding the off-highway electric motorcycle.
On March 17, deputies served a search warrant at the teen’s residence, where they located and seized evidence allegedly related to the case.
The juvenile was arrested on suspicion of felony reckless evading.
The Thousand Oaks Police Department reminded the public that operating off-highway electric motorcycles on public streets is illegal and poses a safety risk. Officials said the vehicles are designed for off-road use only and are not permitted on standard roadways.
Authorities said they will continue to strictly enforce laws related to the use of off-highway electric motorcycles and will take appropriate action when violations occur.
—Becca Whitnall
