Benicia Couple Charged with Child Abuse After E-Moto Crash in Walnut Creek

Minor suffered severe injuries when unlicensed child crashed electric motorized bike

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:53am

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The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office has charged a Benicia couple, Steven Leroy Crews and Jeanna Marie Gabellini, with child abuse related to the operation of an electric motorized bicycle (e-moto) by their underage child, who suffered injuries after crashing into another vehicle in Walnut Creek.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing safety concerns around the use of e-bikes, e-motos, and other electric vehicles by minors, as well as the responsibilities of parents to ensure their children operate these vehicles safely and legally.

The details

Crews and Gabellini are alleged to have willfully and unlawfully permitted their child to ride the e-moto bike, known as a Sur-Ron Light Bee, in an unsafe manner and at unsafe speeds, despite repeated citations and warnings from law enforcement. The minor crashed the e-moto into a minivan on Treat Boulevard and Arkell Road in Walnut Creek, suffering severe injuries that required emergency care.

  • On September 18, 2025, around 3:05 pm, the minor crashed the e-moto into a minivan.
  • Between October 19, 2024, and September 18, 2025, Crews and Gabellini allegedly allowed the minor to repeatedly ride the e-moto.

The players

Steven Leroy Crews

A 58-year-old Benicia resident who has been charged with child abuse related to the e-moto incident.

Jeanna Marie Gabellini

A 58-year-old Benicia resident who has been charged with child abuse related to the e-moto incident.

John Doe

The minor related to Crews and Gabellini who was riding the e-moto and suffered severe injuries in the crash.

Diana Becton

The Contra Costa District Attorney who stated that parents must understand the dangers of e-bikes and e-motos if operated unlawfully and without proper driver education.

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What they’re saying

“E-bikes and e-motos are more prevalent on city streets. Now that California has new laws on the books to address public safety offenses related to e-bikes and e-motos, parents must understand the dangers these vehicles can pose to children if operated unlawfully and without proper driver education.”

— Diana Becton, Contra Costa District Attorney

What’s next

Crews and Gabellini will be arraigned on March 27th at 8:30 am in Martinez on one count of child abuse.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of parents ensuring their children operate electric vehicles like e-bikes and e-motos safely and legally, as the use of these vehicles by minors can pose significant risks to public safety if not properly supervised.