'Illegal Takeover' Of Lake Elsinore's Summerlake Park Foiled By Deputies: RSO

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — An alleged "illegal takeover" of Summerlake Park in Lake Elsinore earlier this month by a group of juveniles was derailed by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the law enforcement agency announced Tuesday.

The takeover was supposed to happen June 12 at the park located at 900 W. Broadway, according to a sheriff's department investigation that began two days earlier.

An illegal takeover, also known as a sideshow, is where a group of people — in this case, young e-bike/e-motorcycle riders — block public access to perform stunts that can endanger those in their path.

Deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station made an uninvited appearance at the planned takeover. But instead of arrests, deputies talked to the kids about restrictions on e-bike/e-motorcycle use, and about the dangers and consequences of participating in takeover events.

All the juveniles, along with their bikes, were later released to their parents or guardians, according to the sheriff's department.

During the operation, deputies issued citations to two adults; their bikes were towed.

The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station provided information for parents whose kids ride e-bikes:

First, an e-bike with no pedals and a motor exceeding 750 watts is an electric motorcycle and cannot be legally operated by unlicensed youth on public thoroughfares.

To operate an electric motorcycle safely and legally on the roadway, a rider needs the following:

• A valid motorcycle license issued by the DMV.
• A DOT-certified motorcycle helmet.
• Valid registration on the motorcycle.
• Minimum liability motorcycle insurance.

Anyone with e-bike/e-motorcycle concerns is encouraged to contact Deputy Franco at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at 951-245-3000 or the Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099.