In the early hours, a deputy in Flagler County observed a blue motorcycle without lights or a license plate. The 33-year-old rider, Brian Swartz, fled but the bike never exceeded about 40 mph and slowed to roughly 15 mph in Hidden Trails Park. Soft sand caused the motorcycle to lose traction, tip over and pin Swartz, ending the attempted escape. He was arrested, faces multiple motor-vehicle and fleeing charges, and is being held on a $2,800 bond; deputies noted an extensive prior arrest history.
Florida Man’s Slow-Motion Motorcycle ‘Getaway’ Ends After Bike Loses Traction
Image Credit: Flagler County Sheriff's Office
Shortly after 2:20 a.m., a Flagler County deputy noticed a blue motorcycle traveling through neighborhood streets without lights and missing a license plate. The bike’s loud, unmuffled backfiring drew attention well before the rider was visible.
The rider, later identified as 33-year-old Brian Swartz of Bunnell, did not stop when deputies signaled him to pull over. Instead, deputies say he attempted to flee — though the escape was hardly cinematic.
Deputies jokingly nicknamed the machine “Blowby Betty,” describing it as a rusty parts bike that sounded more like a weed-eater than a purpose-built getaway vehicle. Officials said the motorcycle topped out at roughly 40 mph and slowed to about 15 mph while passing through Hidden Trails Park. Deputies followed as Swartz rode along neighborhood roads including Mahogany Boulevard, Almond Avenue and Cherry Court.
The attempt ended abruptly when the bike hit soft sand, lost traction and tipped over, pinning Swartz’s shin beneath it. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Charges and custody: Swartz was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is being held on a $2,800 bond. He faces charges including fleeing and eluding law enforcement, operating a motorcycle without a driver’s license, and failing to possess a motorcycle endorsement. The motorcycle was seized and towed to impound.
Prior record and officials’ response: Deputies noted a lengthy arrest history for Swartz dating back to 2016, listing about 16 prior arrests for alleged offenses ranging from street racing, contempt of court and grand theft of a motor vehicle to drug possession and possession of weapons or ammunition by a convicted felon. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly used humor in recounting the episode, quipping that Swartz’s arrest list “goes on longer than a CVS receipt” and saying the Green Roof Inn has become “a second home for him.” Staly also emphasized the dangers of attempting to flee from police.
The sheriff’s office shared video of the incident on Facebook, where commenters largely mocked the failed escape. In one note, deputies said the motorcycle’s registered owner was listed as deceased; when asked how much he paid for the bike, Swartz allegedly replied, “too [expletive] much.”
As with all criminal reports, the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This incident serves as a reminder that attempts to flee from law enforcement are risky — and sometimes undone by mechanical problems or poor conditions rather than officers’ actions.
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