A 19-year-old female ASU student, who was involved in a fatal hit-and-run in September, was at Tempe Tavern before the collision occurred, according to the Tempe Police Department.
The incident involved an 18-year-old motorcyclist who collided with a Waymo before being hit by a white Chevrolet Camaro near Rural Road and Lemon Street. The 18-year-old motorcyclist was transported to a hospital and died. The driver fled the scene, but after an investigation, police found the driver to be the 19-year-old female, according to a press release from Tempe PD.
Hours later, the student contacted Tempe PD and turned herself in. According to the press release, she faces a pending Class 3 felony charge for failure to stop at a collision involving death.
READ MORE: BREAKING: Motorcyclist dead after accident involving a Waymo near Tempe campus
The investigation, conducted by Tempe PD, showed the student arriving at Tempe Tavern at 10:18 p.m. and leaving at 12:42 a.m. The student walked home and got into her car before the incident resulting in the motorcyclist's death, the press release said.
"This tragic incident, combined with continued complaints about underage entry at Tempe Tavern, prompted Tempe Police to return to the establishment for a second large-scale liquor-law compliance operation," the press release said. "The first operation in April resulted in nearly 170 arrests."
Tempe PD conducted an operation in November, which resulted in the arrest of 249 underage individuals for violations of underage intoxication, providing false information to officers and possession of fake identification, according to the press release.
"Most of the individuals involved were cited and released at the scene," Tempe PD said in a statement in November.
READ MORE: BREAKING: Police arrest 249 individuals in underage drinking operation at Tempe Tavern
During the operation, fire inspectors documented at least one fire-code violation, and the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is currently conducting a separate investigation.
According to a written statement from Tempe Tavern, the bar was never contacted by Tempe PD about the September incident. The statement said Tempe Tavern remains concerned about selective enforcement from Tempe PD and the liquor board, misinformation and public perception of the November operation and the sophistication of modern fake IDs.
"Tempe Tavern has served this community for years with integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to safety," the statement said. "We will continue to honor that responsibility. All we ask is for consistent standards, constructive dialogue, and a fair approach for all establishments in Tempe."
Update: Tempe Tavern did not initially respond to a request for comment from The State Press. On Dec. 8 Tempe Tavern provided a statement and this story was updated at 4:06 p.m. to include it.
This story is developing and may be updated.
Edited by George Headley, Henry Smardo, Sophia Braccio and Katrina Michalak.
Reach the reporter at sjames51@asu.edu and follow @sennajames_ on X.
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Senna James is a Managing Editor at The State Press. She is in her 5th semester with The State Press working previously as Community and Culture Editor and Community and Culture reporter.
