Nature of Incident:	Arrests Made for Felony Evading on Electric Motorcycles
Report Number:	25-93213
Location:	Spring Street @ Larmier Avenue, Oak View
Date & Time:	July 24, 2025 between 2:13 PM and 3:20 PM
Unit(s) Responsible:	Ojai Special Enforcement Unit and Ojai Patrol Services
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent			City of Residence		Age
(S) Adam Zepeda (S) Angel Ramirez			Oak View Oak View		18 18
Narrative:
On July 24, 2025, Ojai Patrol deputies attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop of two subjects riding unregistered electric motorcycles. Both subjects fled and one later collided with a vehicle. On July 24, 2025, (S) Adam Zepeda was arrested for various traffic crimes. On July 29, 2025, (S) Angel Ramirez was arrested for various traffic crimes.   On July 24, 2025, a deputy initiated a traffic enforcement stop of two subjects riding unregistered electric motorcycles, commonly known as Sur-Ron or Talaria, in the 11400 Block of North Ventura Avenue. Both subjects immediately fled as they taunted the patrol deputy with vulgar hand gestures. They continued to circle the area in an attempt to bait the deputy into pursuing them.  Both riders were wearing full-faced helmets therefore the deputy could not immediately identify them.      Out of concern for public safety and the safety of the riders, the deputy gave verbal commands over the loudspeaker and followed behind at slow speeds. The riders continued to flee but often stopped and waited for the deputy to catch up before fleeing again.  The riders were seen: riding on one wheel, filming the deputy while holding mobile devices in one hand, riding on the wrong side of the road, and unlawfully riding on a pedestrian/ bike path at speeds in excess of 50 MPH.   Multiple deputies responded to the area to monitor the riders, trying to convince them to stop, and attempting to identify the subjects. At approximately 1445 hours, (S) Adam Zepeda was stopped on Larmier Avenue where he waited for patrol deputies to catch up. As the deputy turned from North Ventura Avenue onto Larmier Avenue, Zepeda looked back at the deputy and immediately accelerated to approximately 30 MPH. Due to Zepeda’s inattention and high rate of speed, he collided with a vehicle traveling northbound on Spring Street. Zepeda’s electric motorcycle immediately shattered into multiple pieces and launched him six feet into the air. Zepeda suffered serious injuries requiring him to be immediately transported to a local trauma center.   Zepeda was arrested for violation of VC 2800.2(a) Evading a Peace Officer with Willful Disregard for Public Safety (Felony), VC 23103(a) Reckless Driving on a Highway (Misdemeanor), VC 23127 Riding a Motor Vehicle on a Riding Trial Where Prohibited (Misdemeanor),  VC 12500(a) Unlicensed Driver (Misdemeanor),  VC 12500(b) Driving Out of Class (Infraction), and VC 4000(a)(1) Unregister Vehicle (Infraction). Zepeda was issued a citation and left in the care of the trauma center.   Following Zepeda’s arrest, Detectives with the Ojai Special Enforcement Unit utilized several investigative tools and identified the second suspect as (S) Angel Ramirez. On 07/29/2025, Ramirez was located and found in possession of items further linking him to the crimes. Ramirez was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on all the above mentioned charges.   As a reminder, reckless riders on both electric motorcycles and bicycles continue to generate a significant number of calls to law enforcement in the Ojai Valley. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ojai Police Department are asking our community members to educate their children and young adults about the inherent risks these electronic vehicles can cause to themselves and others.   In an effort to keep our community safe, before purchasing one of these vehicles or bikes, please educate yourself on current laws and regulations or contact local law enforcement with any questions. Attached is an informational bulletin that could provide additional information.   This incident is under investigation by the Ojai Police Department. Anyone who with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact The Ojai Police Department at 805-646-1414.
Prepared by:		Detective Christian La Secla
News Release Date:		July 30, 2025
Media Follow-Up Contact:		Detective Christian La Secla [email protected] 805-646-1414
Approved by:     Booking Photo Release:		Captain Steve Jenkins Ojai Chief of Police    YES     NO

 
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ojai Police Department Traffic Bureau
Electric Bicycles vs. Electric Motorcycles - Information Bulletin
The Ojai Police Department Traffic Bureau would like to take a moment and provide some important information on juveniles and electric bicycles and electric motorcycles.  Ojai PD has seen an uptick in vehicle collisions involving the youth in our community.  Also, we have investigated some serious collisions involving juveniles who were driving electric motorcycles and riding electric bicycles on public highways. 
Often, parents are shocked when they learn their child was deemed at fault in a collision involving electric motorcycles and or E-bikes. 
Anytime pedestrians or bicyclists are mixed with motorists, there is an inherent increased risk of injury.  Our hope is that through education, we can help avoid the risk of serious injury to your most precious belonging, your child.
First allow us to address bicyclists.  The vehicle code requires bicyclists to follow the rules of the road.  The bicycle rider is considered a “Motorist,” in the event of a traffic collision.  So, the kids who ride on the wrong side of the road, run stop signs, or cut across lanes will most likely be at fault if they were to be struck by a vehicle.
Growing in popularity is the e-bike.  A bicycle that can be pedaled with minimal work and travel up to 20 mph, what can go wrong?  It goes without saying, once speed is increased, the likelihood of injuries increases as well.  Let’s discuss electric bicycles.
There are 3 classes of electric bicycles:
Electric Bicycles
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Three classes of electric bicycles have been established:

• Class 1: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides electrical assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
• Class 2: A low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
• Class 3: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.  Often called a “commuter bike.”

 
A Class 3 e-bike has some different requirements for the operator. The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle:

• Must be 16 years old or older. 

• Must wear a bicycle safety helmet (any age).

 

• Must not transport passengers.
• May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority/ordinance.

All electric bicycle classes are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, registration requirements, and license plate requirements (CVC §24016).  Riders also do not need to possess a California Driver’s License.
You can find this information and much more at the following website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/motorcycle-handbook/two-wheel-vehicle-operation/
 
Electric Motorcycle
There is one more electric style “Bicycle” we want to address.  These are electric motorcycles and are often commonly referred to as “Surrons” because of the brand’s prevalence in the market, however there are many different manufacturers of electric motorcycles.  A Surron is just one example of an electric motorcycle.  A Surron is pictured below for reference:
 
 
This vehicle does not fit into the any of the three classifications of electric bicycles described above.  This means it is not considered an electric bike at all, instead it is considered a motorcycle.  This vehicle is not allowed to be operated on the roads without being registered with the DMV.  For many of our kids it may look cool and top the list of wants on their Christmas or birthday wish lists.  Did you know this vehicle can reach speeds up to 70 mph.  Here is some food for thought, for an experienced driver, the total stopping distance at 70 mph is 388 feet!  This means by the time a dangerous situation is recognized, this vehicle could travel 388 feet before completely stopping.
To be street legal, these off-highway motorcycles would be required to have headlights, signals, stopping lights, mirrors, registration, a license plate, and insurance to name a few.  The rider of this motorcycle would have to have a valid California Driver’s License with a motorcycle endorsement and a DOT approved Motorcycle Helmet.  These electric motorcycles are sold as off highway motorcycles and can never be operated on the street without the above equipment, license, and registration.
So how do we keep our children safe? Education.  Please take the time to educate them on the dangers of the road.  Technology is our friend, but sometimes it can be dangerous if not used with respect.  Inattention by motorists is real, and although we conduct enforcement for speeding, cell phone use and distracted driving, we cannot catch everyone.  Please educate your children to not assume they are being seen by motorists, observe other motorist’s right-of-way, slow down, ride on the right side of the road, and be diligent with protecting themselves by wearing their helmets.
The Ojai Police Department hopes this was educational for all parents in the community we serve.  We are hoping through education and good partnership, we can avoid collisions and keep our children safe.  If you have any questions, please reach out to our traffic unit at (805) 646-1414.