19-year-old motorcyclist arrested after high-speed chase

A 19-year-old man from 29 Palms was arrested on Thursday after he fled from deputies on a motorcycle at speeds reaching close to 120 MPH.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, a deputy tried to stop Rene Ruiz as he was driving a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle on Twentynine Palms Highway just after 2 p.m.

The deputy said Ruiz was traveling at over 70 MPH in a 50 MPH zone. Ruiz fled north on El Rey Avenue and crossed into opposing lanes of traffic when he came to Nicholson Drive.

According to the release, Ruiz ran the stop sign at the intersection and turned west onto Nicholson Drive before crossing into opposing lanes of traffic once again and running the stop sign at Larrea Avenue.

As the suspect was driving north on Larrea Avenue, deputies visually estimated his speed in excess of 120 MPH.

Ruiz lost control of his motorcycle and crashed south of the intersection at Larrea Avenue and Two Mile Road. Deputies said he tried to run from the scene but they caught up with him soon after.

He was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for his injuries and was later booked at the West Valley Detention Center on $100,000 bail, according to the sheriff’s department.

Deputies said he’s been charged with felony failure to yield.