Drone Helps Palm Springs Police Arrest Teen Who Baited Them Into Chase

PALM SPRINGS, CA — A teenager police accused of riding recklessly through the city on an e-bike was arrested thanks to the help of a drone Palm Springs police have added to their toolkit.

Police released video on Wednesday showing the suspect popping wheelies, doing donuts and various stunts in an intersection while riding the e-bike.

Palm Springs PD deployed a drone to track the teen in real-time as he continued riding toward a park in neighboring Cathedral City. That's when officers on the ground swiftly responded to the park, police said.

"Instead of giving the suspect the pursuit he seemed to be looking for, officers used drone technology and coordinated tactics to safely monitor his movements into Cathedral City," Palm Springs police said on Instagram.

In the video, the teen appeared to be struggling with police as officers tried to take him into custody.

Police said while seated in a patrol vehicle, the teen also shattered a window.

He was arrested for reckless driving, resisting an officer, and felony vandalism.

On Thursday, Riverside County officials released data which shows e-bike injuries have quadrupled; emergency room visits for e-bike related accidents jumped from 224 in 2023, and 494 in 2024, to 958 in 2025. So far this year, at least 416 incidents have been reported in Riverside County.

Officials called on the community to adopt safer practices with the use of e-bikes.

"Unfortunately, too many youngsters riding around our communities on e-bikes are making dangerous choices by driving too fast, not wearing a properly fitted helmet or not following the rules of the road," Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel said in a news release.

"It's time for all of us to slow down and commit to safety guidelines that will save lives," she said.

Officials advised e-bike riders to follow several safety tips, including:

• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, along with elbow and knee pads.
• Follow traffic signals, stop signs and right-of-way rules.
  Maintain a measured rate of speed.
• Take part in training courses.
• Wear a certified, properly fastened helmet.