The Montgomery County Police Department’s 2nd District is responding to an increase in reports of teenagers riding dirt bikes and e-bikes recklessly in Bethesda’s central business district.
According to police, officers have received multiple complaints of riders speeding on roads and sidewalks, running red lights, traveling against traffic, and ignoring traffic laws. In some incidents, riders have blocked traffic and attempted to provoke police pursuits, fleeing when officers try to stop them.
On April 22, 2026, around 6 p.m., officers responded to calls about reckless riding near Arlington Road and Bethesda Avenue. Police observed a group of juveniles on dirt bikes and e-bikes, with smoke reported on Elm Street. When officers approached, the group fled at a high rate of speed.
A short time later, one rider returned to the area. Officers stopped the individual, identified as a 13-year-old boy, who resisted arrest before being taken into custody. He was transported to a district station, charged, and later released to his parent.
Police said the electric dirt bike involved was not registered, and the rider did not have a valid driver’s license. The juvenile faces charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, driving without a license, operating an unregistered vehicle, reckless and negligent driving, and failure to obey traffic control devices. The bike was confiscated.
Authorities reminded the public that certain motorized bikes must be registered and operated by licensed drivers under Maryland law, and urged parents to use caution when purchasing such vehicles.
