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Chad Kasmar
Chief of Police
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Date: 3/6/2024
TDD: (520) 791-2639 |
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FATAL MOTORCYCLE COLLISION
EAST AVIATION PARKWAY AT EAST 22ND STREET |
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On the morning of March 5, 2024, the Public Safety Communications Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a serious-injury collision involving a motorcyclist on E. Aviation Parkway at E. 22nd Street. Officers from the Midtown Division and personnel from Tucson Fire responded just after 8:00 a.m. and evaluated the involved parties. The motorcyclist, an adult male, had sustained life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Banner University Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Investigators identified the motorcyclist as 37-year-old Chirag Lilabhai Patel. His family was notified of his passing. Detectives from the Traffic Investigations Unit responded to the scene and continued the investigation.
Witness interviews conducted by officers in conjunction with roadway evidence determined that Mr. Patel was riding a blue Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on Aviation Parkway. He attempted to make a left turn onto the eastbound 22nd Street ramp when he was struck by a westbound blue 2010 Toyota Corolla. According to witnesses, Mr. Patel was turning left on a protected green arrow and the Toyota ran the red light. The driver of the Toyota, identified as a 27-year-old female, immediately stopped after the collision and cooperated with the investigation. She was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. An officer from the DUI Unit responded to the hospital and evaluated the female for impairment. It was determined that she was not impaired at the time of the collision. Detectives noted that Mr. Patel was wearing a helmet and had the proper motorcycle endorsement on his license.
Failure to stop for a red light by the Toyota is the major contributing factor. The investigation remains ongoing and no charges or citations have been issued at this time.
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For 2023 - 15
Pedestrian - 6
Bicycle - 0
Motorcycle - 1
Vehicle - 8
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For 2024 - 22
Pedestrian - 11
Bicycle - 3
Motorcycle - 4
Vehicle - 4
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