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Lake Forest residents press council for action after dangerous e‑bike incidents; sheriff describes investigation
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Summary
Residents recounted recent attacks and reckless riding by groups operating high‑powered two‑wheelers; Orange County Sheriff's captain said investigators identified a juvenile suspect in a crash that left an 81‑year‑old man critically injured and that the juvenile's mother was arrested on multiple charges. Council emphasized enforcement, education and parental responsibility.
Mayor Pacqueno opened public comment at the April 21 Lake Forest City Council meeting with a sheriff's briefing on a serious April 16 collision that left an 81‑year‑old man in critical condition after being struck by a juvenile on a motorized two‑wheeler. Captain Pultz of the Orange County Sheriff's Department said investigators identified the juvenile suspect, served a search warrant and took the youth into custody; he added the juvenile's mother was arrested today on multiple charges including accessory after the fact and child endangerment.
"We've always put education first and enforcement second," Captain Pultz said, describing a combined approach that includes public information on e‑bike classifications, issuing citations and towing illegal vehicles. He said the department has towed several illegal e‑bikes in recent days following citizen reports and encouraged parents to teach children rules of the road.
In public comment, several residents described escalating safety concerns. Christine Tabar said she and her husband were intimidated and assaulted by a group of youths on e‑bikes near La Madera Elementary on April 11, reporting eggs thrown at their vehicle and riders concealing their faces. Klaus Tabar, a long‑time resident, asked the council to distinguish between lower‑powered pedal‑assist e‑bikes and higher‑powered electrically driven motorcycles, which he said can exceed 40–50 mph and are being operated by unlicensed minors on city streets and in parks. Resident Dolores Marie Dooley and others also said minors were obtaining powerful vehicles at young ages and using them to harass the public.
Anil Patel, a resident and District 3 constituent, urged the community to keep Ed Ashman — an 81‑year‑old substitute teacher who remains in critical condition after the April 16 crash — and his family in their thoughts and noted a GoFundMe to help the family.
Council members acknowledged the public's concern and noted the city has taken several regulatory steps already. Mayor Pro Tem (name not specified on the record) and other council members emphasized parental responsibility and said staff and law enforcement are looking at a range of options. The council also heard from residents who urged clearer enforcement of parking and vendor rules in other contexts but returned repeatedly to public safety related to high‑powered vehicles.
No new ordinance was introduced at the meeting. The sheriff's captain said criminal investigations are ongoing, and council members said they will continue to coordinate with the Orange County Sheriff's Department on education and enforcement strategies.
