Synopsis:

On 07/15/2023 at approximately 1624 hours, Operator1 was cited and released for reckless operation of a watercraft following a two jet ski injury collision in Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona.

Narrative:

On 07/15/2023 at approximately 1628 hours, I responded to a watercraft collision with possible injuries at Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona.

Upon arrival, I made contact with Operator2 (verbal ID), operator of V#2, 2006 Kawasaki PWC. Operator2 said he was facing toward the east on the river on the south side. Operator2 said he was at a stop and some jet skis were circling his. 

Operator2 said a jet ski, operated by Operator1, then came close in an attempt to splash him and collided with him. Operator2 said V#1''s port side struck his starboard side of his PWC and knocked off his passenger, V2 occupant. Operator2 said his hand was hurt but he was okay and refused medical attention. Operator2 mentioned that Operator1 did not remain on scene following the collision.

I made contact with V2 occupant (verbal ID). V2 occupant said she was the passenger of V#2. V2 occupant was riding to the back of Operator2. V2 occupant said V#1 was circling their PWC and came up to try and splash them. V2 occupant said the port side of V#1 collided with their starboard side of the vessel. V2 occupant said her right leg was hit by V#1 during the collision and when she was ejected, she believed she bruised the right side of her ribs when hitting the water. V2 occupant was transported to the hospital for rib pain. I later followed up with her and she advised she only had bruising, no bones were broken.

I then made contact with Operator1 (verbal ID), a 16 year old juvenile. I read Operator1 his Miranda Rights and he was advised he had the right to have his parents present during questioning. I then asked Operator1 if he understood his Miranda rights and would voluntarily answer my questions. Operator1 said yes. Operator1 said he was the operator of V#1, a rental 2010 Yamaha Waverunner. Operator1 said he and V#2 were facing east on the river. Operator1 said he tried to splash V#1 and collided with the V2 occupant and she was then ejected. Operator1 said he was the only occupant on V#1. 

Operator1 was asked about remaining on scene of the accident due to members of V#2 party saying Operator1 left the scene. Operator1 explained that after the collision, he turned off his watercraft and floated upstream. I asked how far away from the scene he went. Operator1 pointed out jet skis that were approximately half a mile upstream. I advised Operator1 the river flows the opposite way and if he was not under power, he would float downstream. Operator1 then admitted to having travelled upstream until two different jet skiers from Operator2''s party asked them to return to the scene. I asked Operator2 why he did not remain on scene and he stated he was nervous and it is the first time he is in a situation like this.

V#2 had damage to the starboard side. The right handle bar was bent up from the impact. V#1 had scratches on the starboard side. Both jet skis were photographed using axon capture.

Due to Operator2''s statement and Operator1''s confession that he was trying to splash V#2, Operator1 was charged with reckless operation. Operator1 came closer than 60ft from V#2 and attempted a sharp turn for the purpose of splashing V#2.

Operator1 was then taken into custody and transported, along with his rental jet ski, back to the camp where his friend''s family was. I then made contact with the guardian who was left responsible for him.
COLORADO RIVER-BULLHEAD CITY
Bullhead City, AZ             