Mulberry, FL — A Florida Highway Patrol trooper initiated a traffic stop on a motorbike operator later identified as Raphael Granados-Hernandez (date of birth: January 20, 2007). The encounter escalated into a brief pursuit, resulting in his arrest, according to the arrest affidavit.
The trooper observed the individual operating a black motorbike northbound on State Road 37 without a visible license plate. Emergency lights and siren were activated to conduct the stop.
Granados-Hernandez continued north and evaded the trooper. The trooper maintained pursuit northbound on Highway 37 toward Highway 60. Granados-Hernandez turned west on SW 4th Ave from SR 37, reaching speeds of 40-45 mph (the maximum speed, as later stated by Granados-Hernandez).
During a northbound curve from SW 4th Ave to SW 3rd Ave, the motorbike’s tire lost traction on grass near a residence on SW 3rd Ave. Granados-Hernandez placed his feet down to steady the bike but failed, causing both him and the motorbike to fall to the ground.
Granados-Hernandez stood up as the trooper exited the vehicle and ordered him to the ground; he complied. With assistance from a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy, Granados-Hernandez was handcuffed. Polk County Fire Rescue responded, evaluated him, and determined he was stable.
A witness told police that Granados-Hernandez frequently rode the motorbike in the area and had nearly hit him head-on while pulling into his driveway one day.
According to FHP, the motorbike was a homemade build on a Coleman CT200U frame (as marked on the seat), purchased by Granados-Hernandez for around $500; he did not recall how long he had owned it. The vehicle was towed via wrecker.
Granados-Hernandez possessed only a learner’s driver’s license with no motorcycle endorsement.
He was transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center for medical clearance prior to jail booking. He was then taken to the Polk County Jail and released to detention deputies. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL, POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND ARREST AFFIDAVIT
