An Arizona incident unfolded when a man, heavily intoxicated, collided with a motorcyclist, dragging the rider for nearly a mile before realizing the grim situation. This resulted in the motorcycle catching fire.

Joel Stephan Goble, aged 40, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison, with an additional seven years of probation, for the second-degree murder and hit-and-run death of 61-year-old Darrell Evans.

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office reported that on October 5, 2024, Goble spent several hours drinking at various spots before getting behind the wheel of his truck. He sped at over 100 mph on US 60 in Apache Junction, crashing into Evans’ motorcycle with such force that both the bike and Evans were lodged in the truck’s grill.

Goble then dragged the motorcycle approximately 4,000 feet, or about three-quarters of a mile, causing the bike to ignite from friction with the road. He exited the highway at Idaho Road, attempted to dislodge the motorcycle from his vehicle, and then drove away, leaving Evans severely injured on the scene.

Police officers in the area noticed Goble’s departure and promptly pulled him over. His blood-alcohol level was recorded at 0.132, even several hours post-crash. Tragically, Evans succumbed to his injuries.

Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller said Goble had several prior DUI convictions and had a warrant out for his arrest for another.

“This was not an accident — this was a preventable tragedy fueled by reckless choices and repeated disregard for the law,” said Miller. “The defendant’s history of impaired driving, combined with his callous decision to flee while a man lay dying on the roadway, shows the very worst kind of danger to our community. The conviction delivers justice for the victim and his loved ones, and it sends a clear message: Pinal County will not tolerate repeat offenders who choose to endanger innocent lives.”

Evans’ obituary said he lived in the Grand Canyon State since he was 6 years old and stayed because he loved it so much.

“Darrell was a free spirit who had a passion for music, strumming his guitar, and enjoying the freedom of riding motorcycles,” the obituary said.