Leland police arrest electric dirt bike rider after traffic violations, officer assault
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County man is facing multiple charges after police say he drove away from officers on an electric dirt bike, committed several traffic violations and assaulted an officer during his arrest.
According to the Leland Police Department, officers with the department’s Special Operations Unit attempted to stop an electric dirt bike around 5 p.m. on July 14 near Ocean Gate Plaza and New Pointe Boulevard after observing multiple motor vehicle violations.
Police say the rider failed to stop and continued committing traffic violations, including driving on a sidewalk and failing to stop at stop signs. Due to concerns for the safety of the rider and the public, officers discontinued the attempted traffic stop.
A short time later, officers located the same electric dirt bike and attempted a second traffic stop. Police say the rider stopped, but while officers were attempting to take him into custody, he resisted arrest and assaulted an officer.
The rider was identified as Dominic Bradford, 28, of Brunswick County. He was arrested and charged with:
- Flee to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle
- Assault on a Government Official
- Resisting a Public Officer
- Reckless Driving
- 12 other charges
Bradford is being held at the Brunswick County Detention Center under a $12,500 secured bond.
Police said the electric dirt bike involved in the incident has a peak power output of 5,500 watts and can reach speeds of approximately 52 mph.
Under North Carolina law, vehicles capable of traveling faster than 30 mph do not meet the legal definition of an electric-assisted bicycle. Those vehicles are instead subject to requirements under Chapter 20 of the North Carolina General Statutes, including operator licensing, motorcycle endorsement, registration, insurance and required safety equipment.
The Leland Police Department is reminding residents that high-powered electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles operated on public roads must follow the same traffic laws as motorcycles.
“Riders are expected to comply with all applicable laws to help ensure the safety of everyone on the road,” the department said.
