Beachgoer’s ribs broken when man on electric bike slams into him, Florida sheriff says
A man illegally driving an electric bike on a Central Florida beach collided with a beachgoer, leaving the victim with multiple broken bones, according to investigators.
It happened on Memorial Day at Ormond Beach, and it took the Volusia Sheriff’s Office nearly two months to track down the 37-year-old suspect, officials said in an affidavit.
He was arrested Monday, July 22, and charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident with injuries and operating an electric bicycle in a manner likely to cause harm, the sheriff’s office said in a July 24 news release.
The victim spent two days in a hospital being treated for three broken ribs, the affidavit says.
Investigators say the incident occurred around 5 p.m. on May 27, as the victim was playing soccer on the beach, not far from a lifeguard tower. He was taken directly from the beach to a hospital, officials said.
Surveillance footage shows the bicyclist — riding with his dog — was speeding and driving in an area designated for pedestrians when the collision occurred, officials said. It’s estimated he was traveling at about 20 mph, with the bike’s motor engaged, officials said.
The suspect left before deputies arrived, but was identified as a businessman who operates a bike rental business near the beach, officials said.
In an interview with investigators, the suspect said he was passing a group of people playing soccer when the electric bike was “tackled” by someone chasing the ball. The suspect told deputies he was not aware the beachgoer was hurt, resulting in him leaving after they “hugged it out.”
“Reminder: E-bikes and other electric modes of transportation are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles on Volusia County beaches,” the sheriff’s office said.
Ormond Beach is about a 60-mile drive northeast from Orlando.
This story was originally published July 26, 2024 at 10:24 AM with the headline "Beachgoer’s ribs broken when man on electric bike slams into him, Florida sheriff says."