A 25-year-old motorcyclist was killed Sunday in north Phoenix after police say a driver turned left against a red arrow and struck her in the intersection. The rider was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Phoenix police say the car began turning while the left-turn arrow was still red, and detectives from the Vehicular Crimes Unit are now leading the investigation.
What we know so far
According to KTAR, the motorcyclist has been identified as 25-year-old Kendra Lenae Harrison. Phoenix Fire crews took Harrison to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries, the outlet reports. KTAR also notes that investigators say the driver told officers they thought they had a green left-turn arrow when they turned directly in front of the southbound motorcycle.
What police say
Per a Phoenix Police media advisory, the department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit responded to the scene and is handling the inquiry into the fatal crash, which was reported on May 24 in the 19800 block of N. 27th Avenue. Officers say the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Detectives are collecting physical evidence and statements and plan a full reconstruction to determine whether criminal charges will be recommended.
Investigation
Officers evaluated the driver at the scene for possible impairment and did not observe signs of intoxication, according to KTAR. Final charging decisions will come after detectives complete their reconstruction of the collision and review all available evidence. Investigators are asking anyone with dash-cam footage or other information to contact the department.
Legal implications
Arizona law requires drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death to stop and provide information. Failing to do so can be prosecuted as a felony under A.R.S. § 28-661, the Arizona Court of Appeals has explained in recent rulings. Because the driver in this case reportedly remained at the scene, prosecutors would likely focus instead on whether the turn itself and any related negligence meet the threshold for criminal charges once reconstruction and review are complete. Any decision about filing charges will be made by detectives in coordination with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
How to help
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has video of the incident is urged to call Phoenix Police at 602-262-6151 or submit anonymous tips to Silent Witness, officials said in the media advisory. Detectives say even brief clips from dash cams or doorbell cameras can help piece together what happened in the intersection.
