ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A 14-year-old boy was arrested in Orange County after deputies said he tried to flee law enforcement on an electric bike — an incident neighbors say highlights an ongoing problem with teens racing e-bikes through their neighborhood.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies attempted a traffic stop just after 7 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Porter Road and Black Quill Drive. Investigators said the teen fled on his e-bike.
Neighbors said they heard the helicopter circling overhead and soon learned deputies were pursuing a teen rider.
“We heard them circling for a while, and we were like, ‘What is going on?’ and then saw that was what was happening,” one neighbor said.
Deputies eventually arrested the 14-year-old and took him to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Residents who live near the intersection said the arrest was not an isolated incident. Several neighbors told News 6 they have seen teens speeding through the neighborhood on e-bikes and, in some cases, evading deputies.
Jim and Carrie Mullins said they have nearly been hit by teens riding e-bikes while walking in the area and have witnessed deputies chasing riders who managed to get away.
“I’ve actually witnessed the sheriff’s chasing kids through our neighborhood on an e-bike, and they actually escape and went out onto the road,” Carrie Mullins said.
Carrie Mullins said the behavior raises concerns about safety for both riders and residents.
“It’s shocking when you see them being chased,” Carrie Mullins said. “If you’re doing this now, what are you going to be doing in five or 10 years?”
The Mullins said they fear a serious injury is inevitable if the behavior continues.
“Grass can be replaced. Property can be replaced, but kids cannot be,” Carrie Mullins said. “For an e-bike, it’s just not worth it.”
News 6 has requested dash camera and body camera footage related to the arrest.