Apache Junction, AZ — Authorities in Pinal County, Arizona say a severely intoxicated driver caused a horrific collision that killed a 61-year-old motorcyclist, dragging him nearly a mile while the bike burned underneath his truck.
Deadly Crash on US 60
According to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, 40-year-old Joel Stephan Goble spent several hours drinking at multiple establishments on the night of October 5, 2024. Despite his state of impairment, he got into his truck and accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 mph on US Highway 60 near Apache Junction.
Officials say Goble slammed directly into the rear of a motorcycle driven by Darrell Evans, a 61-year-old rider traveling along the highway.
The impact was so violent that Evans and his motorcycle became lodged in the front grill of Goble’s truck.
Dragged for Nearly 4,000 Feet
Instead of stopping, prosecutors say Goble continued driving, dragging the trapped motorcyclist for roughly 4,000 feet — close to three-quarters of a mile — down the roadway.
Friction from the pavement caused the bike to ignite into flames, while Evans remained pinned and critically injured.
Investigators say Goble finally exited the highway at Idaho Road, stepped out of his vehicle, and attempted to pull the burning motorcycle from his truck’s grill. Once he succeeded, he left Evans — badly hurt and covered in blood — on the roadside and drove away without calling for help.
Arrest and High Blood Alcohol Content
Nearby law enforcement officers spotted Goble leaving the scene and detained him shortly afterward. Police determined his blood-alcohol content (BAC) to be 0.132, well above the legal limit, several hours after the crash — suggesting it was likely even higher at the time of impact.
Evans later died from his injuries, according to the reports.
Repeat DUI Offender Sentenced to 22 Years
This week, Goble received a 22-year prison sentence, followed by 7 years of probation, after he was convicted of:
- Second-degree murder
- Leaving the scene of a fatal crash
Officials also revealed Goble had multiple prior DUI convictions and an active warrant related to another impaired driving case at the time of the fatal collision.
Prosecutor: “This Was Not an Accident”
Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller condemned the defendant’s repeated reckless behavior, stating:
“This was not an accident — this was a preventable tragedy fueled by reckless choices and repeated disregard for the law. The defendant’s history of impaired driving, combined with his callous decision to flee while a man lay dying on the roadway, shows the very worst kind of danger to our community.”
Miller added that the sentence delivers justice for Evans and his loved ones, and sends a strong message to repeat impaired drivers.
Share Your Thoughts
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