Tempe police say fatal hit-and-run suspect connected to recent underage drinking raid

PHOENIX — A fatal hit-and-run suspect was connected to a recent underage drinking raid at a Tempe bar, authorities announced.

In November, the Tempe Police Department conducted an underage alcohol enforcement operation at Tempe Tavern, which is located near McClintock Drive and Apache Boulevard, and made 249 arrests in one night.

A fatal hit-and-run in September was part of what prompted the operation after learning that the suspect, a 19-year-old woman, had been at the bar less than an hour before, Tempe police released Wednesday.

How did Tempe police connect the fatal hit-and-run suspect to the Tempe bar?

According to police, an 18-year-old motorcyclist collided with a self-driving car while it was turning near Rural Road and Lemon Street around 1:21 a.m. on Sept. 14. Afterward, the motorcyclist was struck by a white Chevrolet Camaro and the driver left the scene.

Detectives were later able to identify the 19-year-old woman as the driver of the Camaro through video analysis, license plate identification and follow-up investigative work.

When officers visited the teen’s home she wasn’t there, but she turned herself in several hours later, police said. They added that a failure to stop at a collision involving death charge is pending against her.

According to police, the investigation into the deadly incident revealed that the teen arrived at Tempe Tavern at 10:18 p.m. and left at 12:42 a.m. She then walked home before getting into her car and being involved in the fatal hit-and-run.

Police also shared photos that were taken from the teen’s cellphone showing her inside the bar.

The November operation was the second liquor-law compliance operation at the Tempe bar. The first occurred in April and 173 people were arrested.

“These operations are about safety, accountability and preventing tragedies,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said in a press release. “Ensuring compliance protects our community and helps prevent serious incidents. We remain committed to our core values of excellence, professionalism and compassion.”

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