Photo: Morgan Sterling
Ventura County – Another motorcyclist found out he couldn’t outrun the cops. The late, great motorcycle daredevil Evil Knievel endured a lifetime of catastrophic crashes and multiple life-threatening injuries. It seems there are still those who would seek to emulate his exploits.
That legacy may be what motivated 23-year-old Ojai resident Morgan Sterling on the morning of July 24th. According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Det. J. Preciado, an Ojai patrol deputy spotted him “traveling at a high rate of speed.”
In the media report filed on August 9th, Sterling is described as failing to yield to the deputy’s attempted traffic stop and “committed several traffic violations as he attempted to flee.” In a clear attempt to evade, Sterling “showed no regard for his safety, pedestrians, or other motor vehicles,” eventually making a sudden U-turn in front of the pursuing black-and-white.
That abrupt move caused a collision which sent Sterling out of the saddle and on his way to the hospital “for minor injuries.” A subsequent records check indicated that Sterling did not have the required Class M1 motorcycle license on the date of the incident. Once released from the hospital, deputies arrested Sterling and transported him to Ventura County Jail.
He faces charges of felony evading and reckless driving. This is due to the nature of his actions during the police pursuit which imperiled the public and those involved. His bail is $55,000.
Photo: Courtesy Ventura County Jail Booking
