A Belleview woman with a long rap sheet is free on bond after deputies say she rode off on a stolen Harley-Davidson — and law enforcement deliberately let her go rather than risk a dangerous chase.
Megan Bateman, 35, was arrested Sunday after Marion County Sheriff’s deputies spotted a stolen motorcycle parked outside Opus Bar in Belleview. When deputies moved in, Bateman allegedly jumped on the bike and sped away.
Deputies made the call not to pursue her — a decision likely made to protect public safety. But it didn’t take long. Bateman was tracked down and taken into custody shortly after.
By Monday, she had posted bond and walked free.
Court records show this is far from her first run-in with law enforcement. Bateman has racked up 10 prior arrests in Marion County dating back to 2017, making this latest charge part of a lengthy history with local authorities.
She now faces a grand theft auto charge in connection with the stolen Harley.
No court date has been announced yet. The investigation remains ongoing.
