Authorities are searching for two kids who tore through the aisles of an Orange County Walmart on a pair of e-bikes Sunday, sparking concern after reportedly weaving through the store and nearly hitting customers before disappearing before deputies arrived.
The incident unfolded around 1:40 p.m. at the Walmart located at 26502 Towne Center in Lake Forest, according to Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Police were dispatched after receiving reports that two young riders had entered the store on e-bikes. By the time deputies reached the scene, however, the pair had already left.
“Somebody said they rode in and out of the store, almost hitting people,” Gwisdalla told the Los Angeles Times.
The juveniles were reportedly seen entering through one of the store’s main entrances and later exiting through the garden center.
Despite the alarming behavior, no injuries were reported and neither shoppers nor employees requested that a formal report be taken, officials said.
The episode comes as law enforcement agencies across Southern California intensify efforts to address dangerous e-bike activity.
Authorities have reported incidents involving riders performing risky stunts, large groups taking over public streets, and people operating electric bikes that are not legal for road use without the proper motorcycle license.
In a separate Lake Forest case, the mother of a 14-year-old boy was charged after her son allegedly struck 81-year-old Ed Ashman while performing wheelies on an e-motorcycle in April. Ashman later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Officials across the region are focusing on education campaigns aimed at parents and young riders in an effort to reduce serious accidents.
At the same time, agencies are increasing enforcement by issuing citations and impounding electric vehicles that are either not street-legal or being operated by riders who are not legally permitted to use them.
