Tragic Collision: Man’s Bet Run Ends in Fatal Harley-Davidson Crash, Says DA

In a tragic incident that underscores the dangers of impaired driving, a Las Vegas man lost his life after being struck by an intoxicated driver while waiting at a red light on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The collision occurred as the driver, in a rush to place a bet at a nearby casino, crashed into him, as detailed by police and prosecutors.

The driver, identified as 64-year-old Waymon Wells, was reportedly under the influence of a potent mix of substances, including cocaine, benzodiazepines, and THC from marijuana edibles and cannabis. On April 8, Wells failed to slow down and collided with 48-year-old Joshua Baker at the intersection of West Oakey Boulevard and South Verde Jardin Way, as stated in a criminal complaint referenced by Law & Crime.

Investigations at the scene, supported by eyewitness accounts, revealed that Wells was operating a 2016 Jeep Renegade. Authorities reported that he “failed to use due care” upon approaching the red light where Baker was stopped on his 2025 Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department described in a press release how Wells’ vehicle struck the rear of Baker’s motorcycle, sending both the bike and its rider flying southeast, resulting in Baker’s fatal ejection from the motorcycle.

Additionally, Wells’ vehicle also collided with a Kia Telluride that was stationary at the light. According to local CBS affiliate KLAS, Wells admitted to police officers at the scene that he was en route to place a bet when the accident happened, a detail shared during court proceedings by Clark County prosecutors.

Wells was arrested after the crash and charged with DUI of alcohol and/or controlled or prohibited substance resulting in death, driving without a valid driver’s license, and failure to decrease speed under certain circumstances. Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.

“I want that mother f—er to rot in jail,” wrote Baker’s sister on Facebook about Wells.

“He took my brother,” the sister said. “Let him rot.”

Court records show that Wells has two previous misdemeanor convictions and two open traffic citations. He was ordered held on $500,000 bail.

“It’s something that could’ve been prevented,” attorney Amanda Nalder, who is representing Baker’s family, told KLAS.

“He made that choice to be on that road that day,” Nalder said. “Josh just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time that day.”

Baker’s sister wrote on Facebook that his family is “absolutely devastated” by his death. “I’m selling my bike,” she said. “I’m done.”

Baker’s wife, Renee Barber, told KLAS, “We are going to be lost without him, and he has five children, who now don’t have a father because of somebody’s choice to be under the influence and drive.”

Baker is described by Red Rock Harley Davidson, where he worked as a master technician, as someone who “lived and breathed the Harley-Davidson spirit,” according to a social media tribute posted by the local motorcycle dealer.

“He dedicated 20 years to his craft, taking pride in every bike and every rider he helped along the way,” the tribute says. “He built more than machines — he built relationships, trust, and a legacy that will ride on for years to come.”