Insets, from left: Joel Goble (Pinal County Jail) and Darrell Evans (Heritage Funeral Home). Background: State Highway 60 in Apache Junction, Arizona, where Goble ran over Evans, who was on a motorcycle (Google Maps).
An Arizona man was so intoxicated when he crashed into the back of a motorcyclist that it took him nearly a mile to realize he was dragging the rider, causing the bike to catch on fire.
Joel Stephan Goble, 40, was sentenced to 22 years behind bars followed by seven years probation for second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal collision in the death of 61-year-old Darrell Evans.
According to the Pinal County Attorney”s Office, Goble on Oct. 5, 2024, spent hours drinking at several locations before he hopped back into his truck. He drove more than 100 mph down US 60 in Apache Junction when he drove directly into the back of Evans’ motorcycle. Goble hit the motorcycle so hard that it, along with Evans, became pinned to the grill of the truck.
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The defendant dragged the motorcycle some 4,000 feet — roughly 3/4 of a mile — and the friction with the pavement caused the bike to catch fire. Goble exited the highway at Idaho Road, got out and tried to remove the motorcycle from the grill. Once he removed the bike, he hopped back into his truck and drove away, leaving the bloodied Evans behind.
Cops nearby spotted Goble driving away and pulled him over. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.132 — and that was several hours after the crash. Evans died from 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.
