Turlock motorcyclist seen going over 150 mph on Highway 99 cited by CHP
A 25-year-old Turlock man was cited Monday morning after California Highway Patrol officers stopped a motorcycle they suspect had previously eluded them at speeds exceeding 150 mph on Highway 99.
The speeding stop occurred around 6:50 a.m. northbound near Monte Vista Avenue, CHP Officer Tom Olsen told The Bee. Officers had been tracking the motorcycle for two months after it fled from patrol units on two separate occasions.
“Motorcycles can be a challenge for us to pursue, especially at those high rates with moderate to heavy traffic,” Olsen said. “In this particular case, we decided to back off, be patient, and today that person pulled over.”
Olsen said the rider was issued a citation but not arrested because the investigation remains ongoing. The CHP is working to determine whether the man is the same rider involved in the earlier high-speed pursuits. Physical evidence, including clothing and the motorcycle itself, is being reviewed.
“We want to make sure we’re nailing down the right person for each incident before pursuing additional charges,” Olsen said. “We’ll continue doing investigative work and, if necessary, recommend further charges.”
Officers impounded the motorcycle following Monday’s stop. Olsen said the man had become a regular presence on northbound Highway 99 during morning hours, often seen by officers and the public traveling at dangerous speeds. Investigators were able to identify a pattern in his commute and focus enforcement efforts accordingly.
While high-speed motorcycle incidents are not uncommon, the CHP has policies in place that sometimes require officers to disengage for safety reasons, particularly when a pursuit could endanger the rider or others on the road.
“We don’t want to see them get hurt,” Olsen said. “We care about this gentleman’s life just as much as anybody. Hopefully today he uses this as a turning point.”
Olsen said the department has not seen a spike in fatal or serious motorcycle crashes this year in Stanislaus County. He credited collaboration between local law enforcement agencies with helping keep road fatalities down compared to last year.
The CHP did not release the rider’s name, citing an interest in allowing him a chance to reflect and change his behavior.
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 10:24 AM.
