What started as a routine traffic stop in Oak View last week turned into a high-speed, high-risk game of cat and mouse – on electric motorcycles.
Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies spotted two young men riding unregistered Sur-Ron-style e-motorcycles on the afternoon of July 24 in the 11400 block of North Ventura Avenue. When they tried to pull the riders over, they didn’t just take off – they turned it into a spectacle.
Instead of cooperating, the two riders reportedly taunted deputies with obscene gestures, circled back to bait the patrol car, and even filmed themselves during the chase – all while weaving through traffic, popping wheelies, and flying down pedestrian paths at speeds that police say exceeded 50 mph.
Deputies say the riders seemed more interested in putting on a show than escaping, stopping just long enough for the patrol car to catch up before speeding off again. For safety reasons, deputies kept their distance, trying to identify the riders without escalating the situation further.
Just before 3 p.m., one of the suspects – identified as 18-year-old Adam Zepeda of Ojai – tried to outrun a deputy down Larmier Avenue. As he turned onto Spring Street, he crashed head-on into a moving car. The impact shattered his electric bike and launched him into the air.
Paramedics rushed Zepeda to a local trauma center with serious injuries. Despite his condition, he was cited and arrested on multiple charges, including felony evading and reckless driving.
Days later, detectives tracked down and arrested the second rider, 18, also of Ojai. Authorities say they found items in his possession tying him to the incident.
Law enforcement in the Ojai Valley say they’re seeing a rise in dangerous behavior involving electric bikes and motorcycles – especially among young riders. They’re urging parents to talk to their kids about the risks and the legal consequences before handing over the keys.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call the Ojai Police Department at 805-646-1414.
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