For fear of endangering children waiting for school buses, two state troopers broke off separate pursuits yesterday morning of a motorcyclist who they said was speeding at more than 100 mph and illegally passing vehicles, including a school bus carrying children.

Eight miles and nine minutes later, Trooper Anthony J. Dubas found the rider where he had crashed the 1991 Kawasaki motorcycle near Uniontown -- grass-stained but apparently uninjured.

Brandon Keith Barthel, 19, of the 2100 block of Walsh Drive in Westminster was issued 16 traffic citations and released on $5,000 bail after appearing before a District Court commissioner.

Barthel was charged with multiple violations, including attempting to elude police; failing to control speed to avoid a collision; negligent and reckless driving; exceeding the speed limit; cutting off a passed vehicle; failing to keep right of center; passing in a no-passing zone; following too closely; and failing to stop at a stop sign.

Lt. Leonard Armstrong, commander of the Westminster barracks, said state police received a complaint Thursday about a speeding motorcycle and were stationed at a school bus stop at McKinstry's Mill Road south of Route 75, near Union Bridge.

Trooper Jamie Green reported seeing a motorcyclist commit several traffic violations there at 7: 20 a.m. Green said he attempted to stop the motorcycle and then broadcast a description.

Dubas took up a position outside Westminster on Uniontown Road near Stacy Lee Court, where he said he saw the eastbound motorcycle cross a double yellow line to pass another vehicle. Dubas said he gave chase, but the motorcycle made a U-turn and fled west at more than 100 mph in a 50-mphzone.

Pub Date: 9/05/98