By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Orange Police Department motor officers increased enforcement patrols at Grijalva Park to address unsafe and illegal e-bike and motorcycle operation following reported concerns about dangerous riding in the recreational area.
- Video footage released by the department shows an officer warning a rider that observed behavior was “a really, really bad idea” before issuing multiple traffic citations and traffic safety violations.
- The rider, believed to be a local student, was cited for evading police, unsafe motorized vehicle operation in a park, operating without a license, lacking required safety equipment, and vehicle registration violations.
- The motorcycle involved in the incident was impounded by police.
- The enforcement effort is part of ongoing operations aimed at addressing unsafe riding behaviors and improving compliance with traffic laws in high-use recreational areas.
ORANGE, CALIF. — Orange Police Department motor officers increased enforcement presence at Grijalva Park following reported concerns about unsafe and illegal e-bike and motorcycle activity at the location.
According to video footage released by the department, an officer initially warned a rider that the behavior observed constituted a serious violation and advised discontinuation of the activity. The officer noted the rider appeared to be a local student and warned that the incident would be identifiable, telling the rider that family members would eventually see video documentation of the conduct.
As the rider allegedly continued attempting to operate the vehicle, the officer issued repeated commands to cease riding, including verbal instructions stating consequences would follow non-compliance. The officer then transitioned the contact into a traffic citation stop.
During the traffic stop, the officer cited the rider for multiple violations, including alleged evasion or flight from a police officer, unsafe operation of a motorized vehicle within a city park, operation of a vehicle lacking license plates, failure to wear a helmet, operation without a valid driver’s license or motorcycle license, lack of vehicle insurance and registration, and operation of a vehicle missing mirrors.
The motorcycle was impounded by police following the enforcement action. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Orange Police officials stated the enforcement operation addresses unsafe riding behaviors and improves compliance with traffic laws in high-traffic recreational areas. The department indicated that increased motor officer presence at parks is part of its ongoing public safety strategy to prevent violations and protect park users from hazardous vehicle operation.