Authorities are on the lookout for two children who were seen riding electric bikes inside a Walmart in Orange County on Sunday. Concerns surfaced when they reportedly sped through the aisles, nearly colliding with a customer, and then left the scene before officers could arrive.
The incident took place at the Walmart at 26502 Town Center in Lake Forest at around 1:40 p.m., as noted by Sgt. Lisbeth Gwisdala from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Police were alerted after reports emerged that the young bikers had entered the store. By the time the officers got there, the boys had already made their exit.
“Someone mentioned seeing individuals coming in and out on bikes and almost hitting a person,” Gwisdala said.
A video that went viral online shows a group of teenagers racing through the aisles of the store.
Witnesses reported seeing the boys enter through the front doors and exit via the garden center.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and neither shoppers nor employees provided formal complaints about the situation.
This incident is part of a broader concern about reckless e-bike riding across Southern California. Authorities have noted an uptick in dangerous stunts, large groups taking over public roads, and individuals riding e-bikes without the required motorcycle licenses, which is illegal.
In a related case in Lake Forest, a mother was charged after her 14-year-old son allegedly assaulted an 81-year-old man while performing stunts on an electric bike. The elderly man later died from his injuries.
Local officials are now emphasizing educational campaigns directed at parents and young riders to help diminish the occurrence of serious accidents. Simultaneously, law enforcement is ramping up efforts to confiscate electric bikes that are not permitted on public roads, issuing citations as necessary.
