Motorcyclist chased across three cities escapes; police investigating

Newport Beach police are searching for an unidentified suspect who allegedly fled across three cities after what started as a failed traffic stop on Aug. 29.

Authorities said the incident began after a Newport Beach police officer saw a group of motorcyclists driving recklessly at the intersection of West Coast Highway and Orange Street at around 9:42 p.m. Drivers were doing wheelies and other tricks, and when the officer attempted to perform a traffic stop, one of the drivers did not yield and sped off into Huntington Beach.

The chase later went into Costa Mesa, where the suspect is said to have taken a dirt path that made it difficult for officers to continue giving chase. Huntington Beach police provided support by helicopter as officers set up a perimeter on the ground.

The bike was later recovered and impounded near Pacific Avenue and Victoria Street in Costa Mesa. The suspect is reported to have fled the area. Authorities have declined to provide any identifying information as the case remains under investigation, but they confirmed Wednesday no arrests have been made.