Motorcyclist dies after Arizona Strip traffic stop
A motorcyclist died after after an altercation with deputies during a traffic stop Friday night, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies caught the motorcycle with no rear license plate riding on the Arizona Strip in the Littlefield area, about 91 miles northeast of Las Vegas, around 8:40 p.m. They tried a routine traffic stop, when the rider left his motorcycle and fled into the desert.
The man, believed to be in his 40s, was later found by deputies hiding in brush.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, he became combative when authorities tried to arrest him and a Taser was used twice before they could handcuff him. Deputies said he stopped breathing on the way to the patrol car. They performed CPR until paramedics came and later declared the man dead.
The two deputies suffered minor injuries and were treated and released from a nearby hospital.
The motorcyclist’s motive to flee from authorities is unknown as the incident continues to be investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The deputies involved have been placed on routine paid administrative leave.
Contact Cassandra Taloma at ctaloma@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381.
