Teen arrested popping wheelies

Maricopa Police Department arrested a teen accused of popping a wheelie and running from cops Monday night. 

Police arrested 18-year-old Daniel G. Krafka after he admitted to speeding away from officers at 30 miles per hour over the speed limit, according to a probable cause statement obtained by InMaricopa. 

An officer heard Krafka revving his engine on North John Wayne Parkway near West Honeycutt Road. The officer soon spotted him travelling south on John Wayne Parkway “extremely fast.” 

Krafka allegedly popped a wheelie while travelling over 60 miles per hour in a 45-limit zone, according to the probable cause statement. When Krafka landed on his front wheel, he accelerated to a speed that cops placed at more than 70 miles per hour. 

When police activated emergency lights, Krafka allegedly accelerated even more and began weaving across lanes trying to escape. The officer was unable to keep up with Krafka because there was traffic in the area, but was able to see him down the road, according to police documents. 

Krafka stopped at a red light at John Wayne Parkway at West Farrell Road and pulled a U-turn. The officer in pursuit turned his lights on and Krafka finally pulled over. 

Krafka dropped his motorcycle keys on the ground and put his hands in the air, according to the police report. 

Police said Krafka had no motorcycle endorsement or license plate on his 2022 Yamaha MT-07. 

Krafka later admitted to fleeing. He admitted to officers he was travelling at about 75 miles per hour. 

Krafka was booked into the Pinal County jail on two counts of reckless driving and failing to stop. 

He faces eight months in jail. 

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