In Orange County, Florida, a 14-year-old boy found himself in cuffs after attempting to evade law enforcement on an electric bike. This incident underscores a growing concern among residents about teenagers using e-bikes recklessly in their neighborhood.

The episode unfolded when deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office tried to conduct a traffic stop just after 7 p.m. near Porter Road and Black Quill Drive. The young rider chose to flee, prompting a pursuit.

The chase didn’t go unnoticed. Neighbors reported hearing a helicopter overhead and soon realized it was part of the effort to catch the teen cyclist. “We heard them circling for a while, and we were like, ‘What is going on?’ and then saw that was what was happening,” one local resident recounted.

Eventually, the deputies managed to apprehend the 14-year-old, transporting him to the Juvenile Assessment Center to face the consequences of his actions.

This incident is not an anomaly, according to residents in the area. Many have voiced concerns about teenagers frequently speeding through the neighborhood on e-bikes, with some even managing to evade law enforcement. The arrest has brought renewed attention to this ongoing issue, urging calls for heightened vigilance and preventive measures.

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.