Biker hit 145 mph while fleeing cops during motorcycle detail, reports say

Several law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County participated in a detail aimed at reckless motorcyclists on Wednesday, which included one biker fleeing from officers at speeds that reached 145 mph, according to records.

The Florida Highway Patrol, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Clearwater and Largo participated in the detail.

“The operational goal was to deter and apprehend motorcyclists driving recklessly, endangering the safety of other motorists on the road,” a news release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states. “Examples of reckless behaviors include driving at excessive speeds, weaving in and out of traffic without signaling, failure to maintain a single lane and non-compliance with basic traffic laws such as obeying traffic signals and signs and failing to move over for vehicles on the side of the road.”

Officers made 124 traffic stops, which resulted in eight felony arrests — six for fleeing police and two for habitually driving with a suspended or revoked license. Five people were arrested on drunken driving charges, and 12 were charged with other misdemeanors. Police also reported 50 infractions and issued 60 warnings.

One of the motorcyclists, an 18-year-old from Pinellas Park, reached speeds of 145 mph on his motorcycle. Officers first saw him in the Clearwater area about 10:30 p.m. He eventually drove to Tampa and ditched the bike in a parking garage, where he was taken into custody on several charges, arrest records state.

Another motorcyclist, a 24-year-old man from Georgia, reached speeds of more than 100 mph while fleeing officers on Gandy Boulevard. He was arrested after he crashed, reports state.

Both motorcyclists also ran red lights, according to reports.

The operation was aided by law enforcement units in the air, the reports state.