OPD Arrest Man Who Fled on Scooter

An attempted traffic stop in the early morning hours of Aug. 22 turned into an unusual pursuit when an Olney man fled police on a motorized scooter.

According to Interim Police Chief Autumn Thames, officers tried to stop the rider at 12:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of West Elm Street for multiple traffic and equipment violations. Instead of pulling over, the subject attempted to evade officers, weaving through city streets and cutting across residential yards at speeds that topped out at 28 miles per hour.

Despite the chase, Thames said officers remained calm and professional, ensuring the pursuit ended safely. No injuries were reported.

The suspect was eventually stopped and taken into custody without further incident. When asked why he ran, police said the man told them he “just wanted to have some fun.” He was booked into the Young County Jail.

Thames used the unusual arrest as a reminder that motorized scooters are subject to the same rules of the road as cars and trucks. “Failure to comply with traffic laws can have serious consequences,” she said.

The Olney Police Department thanked the community for its support following the incident, which sparked some lighthearted chatter in town.