Local Crime News

OC Mom Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter After Teen's E-Motorcycle Crash Kills Pedestrian

An Orange County mother, 50-year-old Tommi Jo Mejer, is charged with involuntary manslaughter after her 14-year-old son—illegally riding a Surron e-motorcycle outside El Toro High School in Lake Forest—hit 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran Ed Ashman, who died two weeks later. Deputies warned Mejer last year that letting her son ride the vehicle could lead to charges, but prosecutors say she allowed him to ride despite the danger. This case marks OC’s third parent charged this year for letting a child ride an e-motorcycle; e-bikes under 20 mph have no licensing restrictions, while higher-speed e-motorcycles require a license, registration and insurance.