PHOENIX, AZ — A high-speed motorcycle crash in north Phoenix claimed the life of 30-year-old Obed Manriquez Jr. on Wednesday evening, after a pursuit ended in a violent collision and fire, authorities confirmed.
The Phoenix Police Department said the deadly incident began around 7:25 p.m. when officers observed a motorcycle speeding and breaking multiple traffic laws near the intersection of Seventh Street and Thunderbird Road. Before officers could initiate a traffic stop, the motorcyclist accelerated away.
Moments later, the motorcycle, still traveling at high speed, continued northbound on Canterbury Drive, where it lost control and collided with another vehicle. The force of the impact sparked a blaze that quickly engulfed the motorcycle.
When first responders arrived, they found the wreckage in flames. Manriquez, who was alone on the bike, was pronounced dead at the scene. No serious injuries were reported to the occupants of the other vehicle involved.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Rob Scherer confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation. Authorities are working to determine the full timeline of events and whether additional factors may have contributed to the deadly crash.
The sudden death of Manriquez has left his family and community devastated, as they remember a young man whose life ended in a moment of chaos and tragedy. Police are reminding the public of the dangers of excessive speed and fleeing from law enforcement, emphasizing that such actions can have fatal consequences.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Phoenix Police Department as investigators continue to gather details.