Motorcyclist arrested for fleeing from Deputies

A 24-year-old Tavernier motorcyclist was arrested Wednesday for fleeing from Deputies on U.S. 1 reaching speeds of 148 mph earlier this month.

Jesus Giovanni Ginjauma was charged with fleeing and eluding, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.

Traffic Enforcement Unit Deputy Ed Swogger was near Mile Marker 93 on U.S. 1 at 11:47 p.m. on Jan. 3 when he spotted a southbound black motorcycle traveling 139 mph. Deputy Swogger attempted to conduct a traffic stop as the motorcyclist then began driving erratically: It turned onto Burton Drive, then the parking lots at the Dairy Queen and Mobile gas station, then Sable Palm Drive and onto Oleander Drive. Eventually the motorcycle reached speeds of 148 mph on U.S. 1. Deputy Swogger ceased the pursuit for safety reasons. The driver, later identified as Ginjauma, looked back at Deputy Swogger several times during the pursuit.

Deputy Swogger identified the motorcycle as a Suzuki GSXR, but he eventually lost sight of it.

Deputy Swogger and other Deputies began looking for the motorcycle and found it parked behind a Conex storage container near the corner of Second Avenue and East 1st Street. There was no license plate attached. The ignition did not appear to be damaged.

Deputy Swogger then found the helmet the suspect was wearing nearby. The helmet and placed into evidence for DNA testing and fingerprints.

Deputy Swogger received information that Ginjauma frequently rides the motorcycle and that he had been at Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill. Deputy Swogger went there and an employee confirmed Ginjauma had been there about 20 minutes prior, adding that he left on a black motorcycle.

Detective Ignacio Molina later received information that Ginjauma stated he had fled from Deputies and hid the motorcycle behind a Conex box.

Warrants were issued for Ginjauma.

Ginjauma was booked into jail on Wednesday.

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