Benicia Parents Charged with Child Abuse After Teen's E-Moto Crash

Couple accused of repeatedly letting underage child ride powerful electric motorcycle, leading to serious injury collision.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A Benicia couple has been charged with misdemeanor child abuse after their teenage child crashed a high-powered electric motorcycle into a minivan in Walnut Creek, leaving the young rider seriously injured. Prosecutors allege the parents, Steven Leroy Crews and Jeanna Marie Gabellini, repeatedly allowed their minor child to operate the Surron Light Bee e-moto despite prior citations and warnings from law enforcement.

Why it matters

The case highlights growing concerns over the proliferation of powerful electric motorcycles and mopeds on city streets, especially when operated by underage and untrained riders. It also underscores the need for clear regulations and parental responsibility around emerging transportation technologies.

The details

The crash occurred on September 18, 2025 when the Surron Light Bee e-moto collided with a minivan at the intersection of Treat Boulevard and Arkell Road in Walnut Creek. Police determined the teen rider was operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner and at unsafe speeds. The minivan driver was uninjured, but the teen rider was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

  • On October 19, 2024, the alleged period of endangerment began.
  • The crash occurred on September 18, 2025.
  • The couple's arraignment was scheduled for March 27, 2026.

The players

Steven Leroy Crews

A 58-year-old Benicia resident charged with misdemeanor child abuse for allegedly allowing his minor child to operate a high-powered electric motorcycle.

Jeanna Marie Gabellini

A 58-year-old Benicia resident charged with misdemeanor child abuse for allegedly allowing her minor child to operate a high-powered electric motorcycle.

Diana Becton

The Contra Costa County District Attorney who announced the charges against Crews and Gabellini.

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What they’re saying

“E-bikes and e-motos are more prevalent on city streets and we urge parents to pay attention to new state rules and rider education requirements.”

— Diana Becton, Contra Costa County District Attorney

What’s next

Future hearings will determine whether the case heads to trial or ends in a plea deal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger regulations and parental responsibility around high-powered electric vehicles, as their proliferation on city streets outpaces existing laws and safety measures, putting young, untrained riders at serious risk.