OHIO — Reckless dirt bike riding Thursday evening ended with two arrests and warnings issued for underage drinking, according to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to South Main Street shortly after 5 p.m. following reports of a red dirt bike being driven recklessly through the village.
Although the dirt bike was not immediately located, a deputy later spotted it on Center Street.
The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the rider ignored the lights and sirens.
The driver sped through a red light at Main Street and continued southbound on South Main Street at approximately 65 miles per hour—nearly twice the posted speed limit.
A pursuit followed for about a mile onto County Road 142 before the deputy was ordered to disengage. However, the deputy continued to follow the bike at a distance as it appeared to have mechanical trouble.
The rider, identified as 17-year-old Charles Neer of West Liberty, eventually pulled over and was taken into custody for failure to comply. He was transported to the Central Ohio Youth Center, and the dirt bike was impounded.
While still on scene, a tow truck driver informed deputies of additional dirt bikes being ridden recklessly nearby.
Deputies followed up at a residence on South Main Street, where they found several parked dirt bikes and a group of teenagers in the backyard appearing to play a drinking game, with beer cans in plain view.
One male claimed to be 21 years old and identified himself as “Colin Hill,” providing a 2000 birthdate.
A records check revealed he was actually born in 2006, making him 18. Hill was arrested for falsification and furnishing alcohol to a minor and was transported to the Logan County Jail.
Other teens at the scene, ages 16 and 17, were released to the custody of their parents.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement warning that reckless dirt bike riding and illegal gatherings involving underage drinking will not be tolerated, and future violations will result in arrests and vehicle impoundments.
