A tragic incident occurred early this morning on Imperial Avenue in O'Farrell as a motorcycle crash resulted in the death of the operator and left the passenger in critical condition. According to the San Diego Police Department's Watch Commander's Log, at approximately 0:44 AM, officers attempted a traffic stop on a 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle for what appeared to be a routine traffic violation at the 6200 block of Imperial Avenue. The motorcycle was operated by a 25-year-old male, accompanied by a 23-year-old female passenger.
Amid the traffic stop, officers discovered that the male operator was wanted on a felony arrest warrant. As law enforcement communicated his arrest, the individual fled westbound on Imperial Avenue before officers could engage in a pursuit. The subsequent chase never materialized as the motorcycle, traveling at high speeds, collided with two parked vehicles at 5200 Imperial Avenue. As stated in the official log, the operator and his passenger were ejected from the motorcycle during the collision.
The operator was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger sustained severe injuries, including an amputation to her left leg. Emergency services transported her to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. San Diego Police Department's Traffic Division is managing the ongoing investigation, and they have ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor in this tragic event.
The SDPD is reaching out to the community for assistance in gathering more information on the crash. Anyone who knows this incident is encouraged to contact the department or call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
