Barrington Police charged two 14-year-old boys after they were spotted riding an electric motorbike, taunting officers, and speeding in excess of 50 miles per hour. 

A police officer was on patrol at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, when he spotted two teenagers wearing face masks riding on a Class 4 electric motorbike on Massasoit Avenue — police said those vehicles are not permitted on public roads. In addition, the teenagers were allegedly taunting the officers, flipping them off and filming it while doing so. There is also a law prohibiting anyone under the age of 16 from riding an electric bike.

Police refrained from chasing the kids, as they were already spotted driving in excess of 50 miles per hour, in the dark and with no headlights. Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia said there was no pursuit for the safety of the juveniles. 

Police were later able to identify both teenagers, and officers waited to see if there would be a second incident.

On Friday, Aug. 7 at about 9:15 p.m., Barrington Police again spotted the two teenagers riding the electric motorbike — the 14-year-olds (identified through the motorbike) were seen speeding south on County Road past Barrington High School. Police said the teens actually beeped the horn of the motorbike while trying to get the attention of the police officer. 

Officers responded to the teenagers’ homes. At one boy’s home, the parents were out for dinner. Police were able to get ahold of the parents. The mother called the boy, who initially denied any involvement and said he was hanging out with his friends. At the other boy’s home, police spoke to the family — the father then went into town and fetched his son. Police said when the boy arrived home with the electric motorbike, it was a perfect match for the one involved in the incidents. 

Police said both teenagers later admitted to riding the electric motorbike, speeding, and taunting police. 

Police charged one 14-year-old with reckless driving and other offenses against public safety-first offense, disorderly conduct, registration of motorcycles, motorized bicycles and motorized tricycles, and driving with expired license or without license-first offense. Police charged the other 14-year-old boy with disorderly conduct.

Police said they expect the teenagers’ cases will be sent to Rhode Island Family Court.