A Florida man’s attempt to outrun deputies in the middle of the night ended less like an action movie and more like a slow-moving neighborhood sightseeing tour after his motorcycle started struggling to reach speeds faster than a brisk jog. According to a Facebook post by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, events unfolded around 2:23 am when a deputy noticed a blue motorcycle traveling without lights and missing a license plate.
The motorcycle’s loud, unmuffled backfiring made it difficult to miss long before the deputy visually spotted the rider. Deputies attempted to stop the motorcycle, later identified as being operated by 33-year-old Brian Swartz of Bunnell.
However, rather than pulling over, investigators said Swartz decided to flee. What followed, according to the sheriff’s office, was hardly the high-speed chase many might imagine.
Officials joked that calling it a “pursuit” would be generous, as the motorcycle reportedly topped out at around 40 mph before slowing to approximately 15 mph while traveling through Hidden Trails Park. The sheriff’s office humorously referred to the motorcycle as “Blowby Betty,” describing it as a rusty parts bike that sounded more like it had a weed-eater motor attached than a functioning getaway vehicle.
This Motorcycle Rider Didn’t Have a Chance
Swartz was traveling through several neighborhood roads, including Mahogany Boulevard, Almond Avenue, and Cherry Court, as deputies followed behind. The unusual escape attempt eventually came to an abrupt halt when soft sand reportedly caused the motorcycle to lose traction.
According to deputies, the bike tipped over, pinning Swartz’s shin beneath it and effectively ending the attempted getaway. He was then taken into custody without further incident and charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement, operating a motorcycle without a driver’s license, and failing to possess a motorcycle endorsement.
The motorcycle was also seized and towed to impound. While the sheriff’s office used humor in describing the unusual incident, officials emphasized a more serious message about the dangers of attempting to flee from law enforcement.
He Tried To Run From the Law, but the Law Won
Authorities also highlighted Swartz’s lengthy criminal history. Since 2016, deputies said he has been arrested 16 times on charges ranging from street racing and contempt of court to credit card fraud and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
His prior arrests also reportedly include charges for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement with lights and sirens active, operating a motorcycle without a license, drug possession, and possession of weapons or ammunition by a convicted felon. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly also commented on the arrest, joking about Swartz’s history with the justice system.
“The list of things this guy has been arrested for goes on longer than a CVS receipt,” Staly said. “Sadly, it seems the Green Roof Inn has become a second home for him.” Swartz was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on a $2,800 bond.
Reactions to Florida Man on Rusty Motorcycle
Commenters shared their opinions on the strange situation in the replies under the Facebook video, with many poking fun at the motorcycle rider’s actions. The top comment was actually written by the police department itself, and reveals even more interesting information: “The registered owner of the motorcycle was listed as deceased, so we asked Swartz how much he paid for the bike. His answer, “too [expletive] much.”
Others also poked fun at the post itself, with another top comment reading, “I must say. You have a very creative public information deputy.” Similarly, another comment read, “I love whomever is writing this story! Very creative and entertaining!! Keep up the great work and thank you Flagler County Sheriff deputies for keep our community safe💙”
As with all criminal reports, the suspects are deemed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.