FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was arrested on Tuesday after being accused of driving recklessly along a sidewalk to chase a teenager riding an electric bicycle, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said multiple videos captured the incident that happened on Saturday on the Pine Lakes Path in Palm Coast.
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According to FCSO, a man called 911 to report that a woman in an SUV was driving on the multi-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists, which runs along Pine Lakes Parkway, while chasing a teen who was riding an e-bike.
The caller told deputies he had noticed the teen trying to wave down passing cars while the SUV was only about 6 to 10 feet behind him, so he decided to intervene and block the car at the intersection of Pine Lakes Parkway and Woodhaven Drive.
Deputies said the caller’s girlfriend, who was driving a separate car behind him, recorded video of the incident and shared it with deputies immediately.
Press play below to watch the video
Deputies responded to the scene to interview the witnesses and review the video.
Based on the information provided by the caller, deputies were able to identify the suspect. However, the teen’s identity was initially unknown as he had left the scene.
The next day, the teen’s parents reported the incident to law enforcement.
According to deputies, the woman told them she chased the teen because she was “angry” that he was riding his e-bike too fast and wanted to find out where he lived so she could speak to his parents.
The teen also spoke with deputies and told them the woman “screamed at him, cut him off and nearly struck him,” which caused him to “fear for his life.”
The victim also recorded a video that shows the woman driving behind him on the Pine Lakes Path.
Press play below to watch the video
The woman was arrested three days after the incident and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and reckless driving. Deputies also issued her a uniform traffic citation for driving along the multi-use path.
“This woman caused a dangerous situation with her reckless and aggressive behavior and could have seriously hurt or killed not just the child she was chasing, but anyone who happened to be walking or biking on that path,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I’m thankful that nobody was hurt, or she could be facing even more serious charges. I also want to thank the bystander who stopped a dangerous situation and called 911 so that our deputies could handle it, conduct their investigation, and arrest this driver who clearly needs anger management.”
Staly also addressed the increasing popularity of e-bikes across the area.
“E-bikes are becoming more and more prevalent in Palm Coast, and the riders need to control their speed and recklessness, too,” Staly said. “The legislature needs to give us the new laws to address the behavior of these riders, such as limiting the allowed speed riders can go, just like cars.”
The woman was released on a $3,000 bond.