Drunk Arizona Trucker Going 100 MPH Killed Motorcyclist, Dragged Him Nearly a Mile Before Fleeing the Scene
APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA — A drunk truck driver speeding at more than 100 mph was sentenced to 22 years in prison after he slammed into a motorcyclist, dragged him nearly a mile, and fled the scene of the fiery crash, authorities said.
According to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, 40-year-old Joel Stephan Goble spent hours drinking at multiple bars on October 5, 2024, before getting behind the wheel of his truck and barreling down U.S. Highway 60 in Apache Junction.
Goble crashed directly into the back of a motorcycle driven by 61-year-old Darrell Evans, striking him with such force that both Evans and his bike became pinned to the front grill of the truck.
Motorcycle Dragged 4,000 Feet Before Catching Fire
Authorities said Goble continued driving for nearly 4,000 feet — roughly three-quarters of a mile — before realizing he was dragging Evans. The friction between the motorcycle and the pavement caused the bike to ignite in flames.
When Goble finally exited the highway at Idaho Road, he stopped to pull the burning motorcycle off his truck, then got back in and drove away, leaving the dying motorcyclist behind.
Nearby officers quickly located Goble and conducted a traffic stop. Even several hours after the crash, his blood alcohol content measured 0.132, well above the legal limit.
Evans was pronounced dead at the scene from catastrophic injuries.
Repeat DUI Offender Faces Maximum Sentence
Goble later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. In addition to his 22-year prison sentence, he will serve seven years of probation upon release.
Prosecutors revealed Goble had multiple prior DUI convictions and an active arrest warrant for another DUI case at the time of the crash.
“This was not an accident — this was a preventable tragedy fueled by reckless choices,” said Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller. “The defendant’s history of impaired driving and his decision to flee show the very worst kind of danger to our community.”
Remembering the Victim
Evans’ family described him as a lifelong Arizona resident with a deep love for motorcycles and music.
“Darrell was a free spirit who had a passion for music, strumming his guitar, and enjoying the freedom of riding motorcycles,” his obituary read.
The case has reignited local calls for harsher penalties for repeat DUI offenders and stronger enforcement on Arizona highways.
As Pinal County officials continue to push for stricter drunk driving reforms, the community remembers Darrell Evans as a man whose life embodied the freedom of the open road. For updates on crime and justice news across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.