California

Motorcyclist Taunts Cops During High-Speed Pursuit

A motorcyclist who taunted officers with high-speed antics during an hourlong pursuit through two Southern California counties was arrested without a struggle.

Phillip Resendez, 22, of Rancho Cucamonga was chased for reckless driving and came into Los Angeles County about 6 p.m., said CHP Officer Patrick Kimball.

The suspect led police on a pursuit, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, and running several red lights. At one point, he climbed onto the seat and took his hands off in a high-speed stunt.

After Resendez, who was booked for driving on the wrong side of the road and failure to yield, was captured he complained about how police acted during the chase.

"Did he (police officer) seriously have to try and kick me off my bike?" Resendez said.

He also apologized to his baby daughters, saying he was sorry he had "put them in the middle of all of this."

At one point, Resendez parked in a cul-de-sac and took off his helmet to put in his ear buds.

He was cornered by an officer, but rode right past him, almost clipping the CHP car's open door. He was followed by two CHP motorcycle officers and a helicopter above.

Resendez also appeared to slow down and talk to two officers on motorcycles who were riding next to him.

He surrendered and was arrested after he pulled into a gas station at Cucamonga and San Bernardino streets in Ontario. Onlookers cheered him.

However not everyone was so complimentary.

"I thought he was crazy. I thought he was a lunatic," witness Alex Penafiel said.

"It was scary. He didn't need to be going that fast," another added.

Resendez' Honda motorcycle, a little the worse for wear, was taken away by a tow truck. He is expected to appear in court Friday.

Michael Larkin and City News Service contributed to this report.

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