OGDEN -- A man who attempted to snatch a motorcycle from in front of an Ogden home was chased on foot by the motorcycle owner until police were able to capture him.
The suspect, James Anthony Martinez, 31, was arrested and booked into Weber County Jail on Sunday afternoon. He may face charges of theft and giving false information to a police officer.
The motorcycle owner, who was visiting a neighbor's home, noticed two men in a vehicle pull up in front of his home on the 2230 block of Fillmore Avenue around 4 p.m.
One of the men, identified by witnesses as Martinez, got out of the car and approached a yellow Yamaha motorcycle that was parked in a driveway, said Ogden Police Lt. Danielle Croyle.
Police say the vehicle then took off and Martinez tried to flee on the bike after he was confronted by the owner and a neighbor.
Martinez could not start the bike, but was able to gain momentum while coasting down a hill on 23nd Street.
The motorcycle came to a stop at the bottom of the hill and the owner was able to catch up. Martinez denied stealing the bike, Croyle said.
"The suspect was confronted by the witnesses, and he held up a sign that said 'Free motorcycle. Needs motor. No key,' " she said.
Police say Martinez made the sign ahead of time in case he got stopped while taking the bike.
During the discussion, Martinez dropped the bike and ran into the home of an acquaintance on the 1100 block of 23rd Street.
Martinez was found hiding under a blanket inside a bedroom of the home.
Officers had to draw their weapons because they were not sure whether Martinez was armed.
Police say he gave them a false name during his arrest.
Martinez also was wanted on three warrants in two counties.
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