Two Oak View Teenagers Arrested for Felony Evading on Electric Motorcycles

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.