Man Pleads Not Guilty In E-Bike Attack

A man accused of violently attacking a pedestrian during an attempted e-bike theft pleaded not guilty in Marin County Superior Court on April 23, 2026. (patch.com) David Ramirez, 32, faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, and battery after allegedly punching and kicking a victim while trying to steal their electric bike on March 15 in San Rafael. (patch.com) The victim fought back, escaped, and called police, leading to Ramirez's arrest nearby; he was found with the stolen bike parts and a pocket knife. (patch.com) Judge Kelly C. Current denied bail, citing Ramirez's prior convictions for violent crimes, including assault with a firearm in 2021 and evading police. Prosecutors highlighted the attack's brutality during the bail hearing. (patch.com) Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are popular in Marin County for commuting, with removable batteries and motors that assist pedaling up to 20 mph on flat terrain. Theft rates have spiked locally, with San Rafael police reporting 47 e-bike thefts in 2025 alone, up 30% from 2024.(sanrafaelpolice.org;marinij.com) Many e-bikes cost $2,000-$5,000, making them prime targets; thieves often strip them for batteries worth $500 each on the black market. Residents have pushed for better bike parking and tracking tech amid rising assaults over bikes. (sfchronicle.com) Marin County DA Lori E. Smith vows to prosecute aggressively, calling these attacks "unacceptable terror on our trails." Ramirez's attorney argued for release, citing lack of prior failures to appear, but the judge prioritized community safety. (patch.com) Next hearing is set for May 7 for arraignment; if convicted, Ramirez faces up to 12 years in state prison. (patch.com)