Juvenile arrested for Othello dirt bike pursuit

Adams County Sheriff’s Office/courtesy photo A juvenile riding a dirt bike was arrested for leading Adams County deputies on a pursuit last week.

by Richard Byrd Managing Editor
| August 8, 2019 8:15 AM

OTHELLO — A juvenile who attempted to elude deputies on a dirt bike was taken into custody on July 30.

An off-duty Adams County Sheriff’s Office employee was reportedly traveling south on Broadway Avenue and East Wahluke Street in his personal vehicle when he spotted an off-road Kawasaki dirt bike enter the roadway at a high speed. The front wheel on the motorcycle reportedly lifted off the ground and the driver, a male juvenile, rode on the back wheel only while passing several vehicles.

He continued riding for about a quarter- mile, making several other “reckless maneuvers” in and out of traffic that caused drivers to use their emergency brakes and slow down. The boy continued south onto state Route 24 and onto the canal. He re-entered SR-24 and drove south on the side of the road that faces oncoming traffic. He then lifted the front wheel again and drove for another quarter-mile. On-duty deputies responded and the boy was followed onto an irrigation canal near Bailey Road.

“The subject came to a stop on Atkinson Road where the off-duty sheriff(‘s) employee (who clearly identified himself as a police officer) made contact and advised the subject that he was being followed by the sheriff’s deputies and he needed to wait for them,” stated the ACSO. “The subject refused to give info or remove his helmet. As on-duty deputies approached, the subject kick-started his bike and again proceeded to elude the deputies on roadways and canal roads.”

Deputies were able to identify the boy, however, and he was later contacted at his residence. The boy, who was arrested a month ago but released for reckless driving on a street motorcycle, was taken into custody and the bike was impounded.

“Sometimes people have to learn the hard way. We hope the message is clear this time. Subject was charged with attempting to elude police which encompasses reckless driving. Normally the sheriff’s office is fairly forgiving in situations like this, but when direct reckless and complete disregard for the laws and safety of others we will take action.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at rbyrd@columbiabasinherald.com.