DeLand, Fl- On September 18, at approximately 12:37 P.M. two juveniles (12 and 13 years of age) were riding electric powered “motor-bikes” within the Saddlebrook Subdivision in DeLand. The juveniles eventually came to a stop, side by side westbound at the intersection of Blue Grass Boulevard and Blue Grass Boulevard. While stopped at the stop sign a black Chevrolet SUV entered the subdivision, heading in a south east direction. The SUV then attempted to turn east on Blue Grass Boulevard, cutting the turn short, impacting the motor bike which was on the left (inner) side of their lane.

The rider of the motor bike impacted was able to take evasive action on foot to avoid being impacted by the vehicle. The other rider also took evasive action on foot, dropping his motor bike in the roadway. During the incident, only one of the two motor bikes was struck by the vehicle, which stopped immediately and remained at the scene. Following the incident, the rider of the motor bike struck, reported the crash to his parent who responded to the scene and spoke with the driver of the SUV. None of the parties involved notified law enforcement at that time and opted to resolve the matter via a lawful driver’s exchange of information. At the conclusion of the driver exchange of information all parties left the area. 

On the same day at 1:55 P.M., police received a call from the parents of the other juvenile involved who had returned home and reported the crash event to them. Police then responded to their home at which time the first report of the incident to law enforcement was received. Following this report, law enforcement initiated an investigation into the events that transpired.

During the course of the investigation, police learned the details of the event as previously noted. Police also discovered that the vehicles being operated by the two juveniles were not classified as “electric bicycles” under Florida Statute 316.003 (23) but as motor vehicles under 316.003 (46) and 322.01 (29) based on manufacturer specifications. At the conclusion of the investigation police cited the driver of the SUV for careless driving under Florida Statute 316.1925 and both juveniles for the unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle under Florida Statute 322.03.

At this time the law enforcement investigation into the incident has concluded.