BUCKHANNON – A Buckhannon man was arrested Thursday after allegedly fleeing from police on a motorcycle at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour.
John Burgess, 36, of Buckhannon was arrested for fleeing with reckless indifference for an incident that occurred on Oct. 19, 2021.
According to the criminal complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office, officer S. Kraemer with the Buckhannon Police Department saw Burgess driving a Yamaha motorcycle on North Locust Street on Oct. 19. The bike allegedly did not have a working license plate light and nearly struck a vehicle stopped for traffic in a construction zone.
Kraemer attempted to stop Burgess, but the motorcycle allegedly failed to stop. The pursuit continued eastbound on Route 33, where Burgess reached speeds over 120 mph with a passenger on the back of the bike, according to the complaint.
“The defendant turned onto Kesling Mill Road, where he passed a vehicle on a double yellow line,” Sgt. T.A. Posey wrote in the complaint. “Once on Kesling Ridge Road, the defendant let his passenger get off the bike. He then sped away again. The pursuit ended when the defendant failed to negotiate a turn and wrecked.”
A warrant was issued in November and Burgess was arrested in Harrison County on Thursday, according to court records. Bail was set at $10,000 cash or property.
The potential penalty for fleeing with reckless indifference is confinement for not less than one year and not more than five years, and a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000.
