Contra Costa Man On Electric Bike Leads Petaluma Cops On Pursuit: PD

PETALUMA, CA — An East Bay man is accused of leading Petaluma police officers on a 2/ 12 mile-, 8-minute chase through city streets on an electric bicycle.

It started shortly before 10:15 a.m. Saturday when an officer saw who would later be identified as Alexus Alstad, 20, of Martinez, riding a Sur-Ron electric bike, doing wheelies in traffic and running stop signs on Jefferson Street, Petaluma police Lt. Zilverio Rivera said.

"A Sur-Ron is classified as an 'off-highway motorcycle' and does not meet the definition of an electric bicycle, or motorized bicycle, and therefore is limited to off-highway use only," Rivera said.

The officer tried to initiate a traffic stop on the electric bike but alleged Alstad accelerated away and ran multiple stop signs in what appeared to be an attempt to evade.

As Alstad fled into the Petaluma Fairgrounds, the officer lost sight of him. Responding officers created a perimeter in the area and quickly located Alstad riding on Edith Street where they tried to initiate another traffic stop.

Again, Alstad sped away, leading officers on a pursuit through the neighboring streets, reaching speeds of approximately 40 mph and Alstad riding recklessly onto sidewalks and in and around other vehicles, Rivera said.

As officers pursued him, Alstad failed to negotiate a turn and lost control of his bike, causing him to lay it down on the ground, the lieutenant said.

"Alstad was able to get up and get back on the bike and fled again," Rivera said. "After fleeing a short distance, Alstad stopped in front of a residence on Jefferson Street where he was taken into custody without further incident. The entirety of the pursuit spanned about 2 1/2 half miles and lasted 8 minutes."

Alstad was taken to a local hospital where he received medical treatment for minor injuries he suffered from laying his bike down.

He was later booked at the Sonoma County jail on suspicion of felony evading a police officer with wanton disregard for safety, misdemeanor reckless driving and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Alstad was no longer in custody Monday morning, according to jail records.