WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) — A Walnut Creek couple has been charged with misdemeanor child abuse following their son’s serious injuries from an electric motorcycle crash in September.
According to police, the 17-year-old collided with a minivan while riding a modified Surron Light Bee e-motorcycle. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged the 58-year-old parents on Thursday, alleging they “willfully and unlawfully permitted a child to be injured or placed in a situation where the child’s health is endangered.”
The parents are scheduled for arraignment on Friday morning in Martinez. Authorities cited them multiple times in recent years regarding their son’s riding, which began when he was 14.
Walnut Creek police indicated the motorcycle had undergone significant modifications, allowing speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour, creating dangerous conditions for the minor. “Most electric motorcycles are capped at 15 miles per hour,” Lt. Guy Ezard stated.
Legal analysts note potential challenges in prosecuting the parents, suggesting jury perceptions may lean towards viewing the case as governmental overreach.
Police continue to investigate the incident, with further information pending.