Minibike Riders Clash with Long Beach Police in Viral Street Encounter

A recent confrontation between a Long Beach police officer and a group of minibike riders has sparked widespread attention after footage of the altercation went viral online. The incident unfolded Sunday at Broadway and Hermosa Ave. around 2:10 p.m., when a police officer attempted to stop illegal minibike activity on a public street.

In the now widely circulated video by @streetpeopleoflosangeles, a Long Beach officer is seen restraining a rider who had been detained for operating a pocket bike on the road, a violation of California’s vehicle code. As the officer attempts to secure the rider, a swarm of other minibikers surrounds him, some shouting “let him go” and tossing objects, including bottles and cans. The officer is seen drawing what appears to be a taser in an attempt to maintain control.

According to Long Beach Police Department spokesperson Eric Stachura, the officer deployed pepper gel to disperse the crowd. The detained rider was cited and released on the scene, and no serious injuries were reported.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges the LBPD faces in cracking down on illegal minibike groups that frequently overrun city streets. Authorities say such gatherings, often consisting of a dozen or more riders, pose safety risks to the public and law enforcement alike.

Despite the activity being illegal, pocket bikes and other unregistered motorized vehicles are banned from public roads, police have limited enforcement options. LBPD East Division Commander Shaleana Benson explained during a recent community meeting that officers are not permitted to pursue minibike groups due to safety concerns. Instead, the department emphasizes de-escalation and public safety over confrontation.

Benson noted that officers are generally discouraged from singling out individual riders unless absolutely necessary. “Our priority is to keep the public safe, not escalate already risky situations,” she said. Officers retain the discretion to issue citations or impound bikes, but those decisions are made case by case.

Residents in parts of Long Beach, particularly downtown and along the shoreline, have raised concerns in recent months about the rise in minibike street takeovers. Sunday’s incident has only intensified debate over how law enforcement should handle the issue in the face of growing public frustration and viral visibility.