On September 15, 2025, at approximately 8pm, a Chester Resident Post officer initiated an enforcement stop on a motorcycle for operating without lights during the hours of darkness. The motorcycle was traveling eastbound on County Road A-21. The driver of the motorcycle (James Kaufman of Quincy) failed to yield to the enforcement stop and continued at a high rate of speed eastbound until he reached the railroad tracks, which were actively being used by a train. Kaufman laid the motorcycle down to avoid colliding with the moving train. He then ran southbound beside the railroad tracks and hid in a bush to avoid being taken into custody. A Lassen County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on scene and assisted in locating Kaufman. Kaufman was apprehended without further incident. He was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment for the minor injuries he sustained as a result of intentionally sliding the motorcycle on it’s side to avoid a more severe crash with the train.
The CHP would like to thank the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in apprehending Mr. Kaufman. Any questions can be directed to the Susanville CHP Public Information Officer, Travis Music, at (530) 252-1800.
