Teen hurt after allegedly refusing to stop for police on minibike on busy Tri-City street

The Kennewick Police Department is reminding everyone that minibikes are not allowed on roadways after a 19-year-old was injured allegedly running from a traffic stop on Tuesday.

Two minibikes had been driving down Clearwater Ave. around 8:30 p.m. The bikes did not have lights, and the drivers wore dark clothing and no helmets while driving in the middle of the street, according to a Facebook post from KPD.

Clearwater Ave. is one of the busiest streets in Kennewick. The bikers were spotted by police near Neel Street, across from Walker’s Furniture.

An officer tried to stop the minibike drivers, but they continued driving.

One of the drivers, a 19-year-old male, then hit a curb and was thrown from his bike, according to the post from Kennewick Police.

The officer provided emergency aid before the teen was taken to a local hospital. It’s unclear if his injuries were serious.

Kennewick Police Officer Peyton Hannah told the Tri-City Herald that the 19-year-old will face charges after being released from the hospital. While exact charges are still being determined, Hannah said they will likely include an eluding charge and a traffic-related charge.

Minibikes in Washington state

Minibikes, or pocket bikes, are considered off-road vehicles in Washington state. They cannot be registered for on-road usage, per the Revised Code of Washington.

Off-road vehicles are not legal to drive on Washington roadways outside of specifically marked areas. They can also be used on private, non-highway roads with owner authorization.

Hannah told the Herald these minibikes, often also called pit bikes, have become more common recently. While police are unsure what is causing this increase in popularity, they have seen them used on roadways by kids and adults alike.

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 11:49 AM.