A California police officer lost control of his motorcycle during a holiday parade, resulting in a crash that injured nine spectators and the officer himself, who lost his hand in the accident. The incident occurred in Palm Springs around 6 p.m. on Saturday, as the officer was reportedly attempting a trick on his motorcycle along the parade route, according to eyewitness accounts reported by The Desert Sun.
The city of Palm Springs confirmed via Facebook that ten people, including the officer, sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the accident. Among the injured was a child who suffered minor to moderate injuries but was reported to be in good condition. Two elderly individuals were also among those hurt in the incident, according to police spokesperson Gustavo Araiza.
Footage of the accident shows the officer performing a small “wheelie” before losing control of the motorcycle, which then sped into a crowd of parade-goers. Veronica Ortiz, a parade attendee, recounted the incident to The Desert Sun, stating that the officer “popped a wheelie and all of a sudden he went sideways and skid all the way over there,” before losing control of the bike, which then plowed into the crowd.
Another witness, Byron Ruvalcaba, described the officer as going “dumbly fast,” estimating the speed at 25 to 35 miles per hour. The motorcycle continued to move into the crowd even after the officer was thrown off, hitting an elderly couple and several other spectators.
Palm Springs police have referred to the reports of the officer performing a wheelie as “a rumor.” Palm Springs Chief of Police Andy Mills did not address these claims directly but did issue an apology for the incident on Facebook. Mills expressed his deep concern and took responsibility for the incident, promising a thorough investigation and a report back to the community.
The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the accident.