Two Arrested In High-Speed Motorcycle Chase In Philippi

A reckless escapade through the streets of Philippi ended in the arrest of two Barbour County men after a high-speed motorcycle chase that endangered both themselves and the public.

The incident unfolded on Sunday, April 28, when law enforcement officers noticed four 'sports style' motorcycles zipping along US Route 250 in Philippi at an alarming speed of 78 mph in a 45 mph zone. Police initiated pursuit as they attempted to intercept the speeding bikers.

Despite the officers' attempts to halt the reckless riders, the motorcyclists flouted traffic laws, overtaking several vehicles in an area designated as a no-passing zone. The pursuit escalated as speeds reached up to 90 mph, endangering not only the riders but also the general public.

The chase went onto Main Street, with the pursuing officer trailing behind the motorcycles as they went through a 25 mph zone at 80 mph.

However, the pursuit took an unexpected turn near the Philippi Discount Tire Services Center, where the fleeing motorcyclists found themselves at a dead end. Undeterred, they veered through a grass yard and onto a walking path, before recklessly navigating off the curb near the tire center, and dispersing in different directions.

In the ensuing chaos, law enforcement officers split up to pursue the individual riders. One officer managed to track down a silver motorcycle, driven by Greyson Christopher Bevan, which careened onto Pike Street and then Morrel Hollow Road before crashing. Bevan was promptly apprehended and taken into custody.

Meanwhile, another officer pursued a red motorcycle, leading to the arrest of its rider, identified as Jake Ryan Williams, on Morrel Hollow Road.

However, the fate of the other two riders remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether they were identified or detained by law enforcement.

Greyson Christopher Bevan and Jake Ryan Williams currently find themselves behind bars at TVRJ, each facing bonds of $15,000. They are charged with a litany of offenses stemming from their reckless actions, which endangered countless lives during the dangerous high-speed pursuit.