It was just after seven on the evening of April 3 when things went south in Cave Creek. A Chevrolet pickup pulled out of the parking lot at Harold’s Corral—you know, the spot where everyone was gathered for Bike Week—and somehow ended up driving the wrong way down Cave Creek Road. I can almost hear the screech of tires just thinking about it.
The truck didn’t stop until it had smashed through eight parked motorcycles, a stationary GMC pickup, and three pedestrians who were just out enjoying the evening. According to David Moyer over at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the scene was chaotic. They haven’t been entirely clear on whether the victims were standing in the lot or out on the street when the Chevy struck them, but honestly, at that point, the distinction matters less than the damage done.
Two of those people were rushed to the hospital with some pretty grim news. We’re talking head injuries and, quote, a significant abdominal laceration. The doctors—actually, no, it was the hospital staff—they classified the injuries as life-threatening almost immediately. It’s heavy stuff.
Then there’s the driver. Deputies on the scene didn’t take long to notice the signs of alcohol impairment, which—well, it pretty much explains the wrong-way maneuver, doesn’t it? It’s an ongoing investigation, so Moyer wasn’t giving out every little detail, but the link to the alcohol impairment is front and center.
Harold’s Corral had been hosting Bike Week festivities all weekend, so the area was packed. Moyer noted the heavy activity, which makes the whole thing feel even more jarring. A celebration turning into a scene for the Sheriff’s deputies to tape off.
It’s still an active investigation. The details are coming in drips and drabs, or maybe just slower than we’d like—but the facts we have point to a really bad night for everyone involved.