A teenager led Los Angeles police on a dangerous dirt bike chase on Wednesday, his 19th birthday, making a bizarre stop for fuel and eventually being caught hiding in a recycling bin. The suspect, identified as Christian Fuentes, faces a string of felony charges including evading police, vandalism, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Chase begins and includes a fuel stop
The pursuit started in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Northeast Division near Blake Avenue and Cabot Street. Fuentes rode a stolen bike, and at one point, he pulled into a gas station near Huntington Park, where he filled up with gas before speeding off with the pump still attached, yanking it off the post.
In further stunning scenes, the masked rider sped through a park where he appeared to pick up gas that had been left for him in a container. Witnesses, including families with children, were stunned as they watched the biker dodge officers over the greenery while they played football, running out of the way when he accelerated.
Reckless riding and dangerous behavior
During the ride, Fuentes was seen using his phone as he snaked through city roads, sideswiping vehicles and knocking the side-view mirror off one. Investigators tracking him described the individual as ‘armed and dangerous’, as he was initially wanted on suspicion of wielding a firearm while riding in public.
The chase lasted for more than an hour, ending at a home in a South Los Angeles neighbourhood. Fuentes had ditched the bike and was eventually caught behind the house, hiding in a recycling bin.
Arrest and charges
Isaiah James, who lives across the street, watched the events unfold as the suspect finally surrendered and was taken into custody by several officers. ‘I was just working in the garage, and I saw the police show up, which got my attention because usually they don’t come on this street,’ said the local. He added to Eyewitness News: ‘I noticed when he was being arrested, they kinda laughed about it because I guess he liked the thrill of it.’
‘It went pretty smooth,’ he said of the moment Fuentes was detained, describing the teen as ‘well dressed’. Unfortunately for Fuentes, his birthday presents this year ended up being a string of felony charges, including evading police, vandalism, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
