On April 28th, around 3:15 pm, a Sheriff’s motor deputy attempted a traffic stop on 19-year-old Hunter Bellish but Bellish failed to yield. Bellish was driving an unregistered Arctic Leopard electric dirt bike. Bellish fled northbound on North Melrose Dr, running red lights and using the bicycle lane in excess of 50 mph to bypass stopped traffic.
Bellish continued to flee at high speeds, suddenly slowing on Crestview Dr in Oceanside. Bellish made a sudden u-turn and accelerated directly at the pursuing deputy, striking the deputy’s motorcycle and knocking it over. Bellish fled while the deputy picked up his motorcycle.
Fortunately, Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter arrived and located Bellish a short distance away near Panorama Ridge. ASTREA guided deputies on the ground to Bellish’s location, where he was arrested without further incident. Neither Bellish nor the deputy were injured.
Bellish was later booked into the Vista Detention Facility for multiple felonies, including felony evading and felony reckless driving. His electric motorcycle was towed and stored.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that e‑bikes and electric motorcycles are legally distinct vehicle types. While properly classified and equipped e‑bikes may be operated on public roadways in accordance with California law, electric motorcycles are not permitted for use on public streets unless they meet the full requirements for street‑legal motorcycles, including registration, licensing and insurance.
For additional information on the lawful operation of e‑bikes and electric motorcycles, as well as safety guidance, please visit the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office website by clicking here.
Source of Information:
Lieutenant Nick Backouris
Nicholas.Backouris@SDSheriff.gov
Vista Patrol Station: 760-940-4551
