On 07-18-2023 at approximately 1450 hours, an unknown subject operating an unknown PWC struck Operator2 while he was operating his PWC near Community Park 1251 Highway 95, Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona. Upon arrival, I made contact with subject who advised that he speaks little English and a Spanish speaker would be necessary. I contacted Ofc. who translated Subject''s statement. 

Ofc. later advised that Subject stated his friend, Operator2 (verbal) left their view on a PWC. Subject advised that he shortly returned, with an injury to his left leg, barely sitting on the PWC. Subject advised that he and his other friends assisted Operator2 off of the PWC and asked what happened. Subject stated that Operator2 alleged he was struck by something, but was unsure what it was. Subject advised that Operator2 was gone for approximately 10 minutes. Subject advised that the PWC was brought to the shore, where it began to sink due to the damage. 

While speaking with Ofc., Operator2 was transported to WARMC for treatment via ambulance. 
Photographs were taken of the involved PWC and the owner (verbal) was contacted and asked to respond to the location. On Owner''s arrival, both PWCs were removed from the water and a closer inspection of the damage was able to be conducted. The PWC, a blue and white 2017 Yamaha Waverunner bearing was observed to have severe damage to the port side. The fiberglass was split in half over several inches in length. The HIN on the vessel later returned to and this issue was brought to the attention of the owner to correct. 

There was observed blue damage done to the middle Keel of the other PWC rented by Subject. I observed blue paint transfer on the section of the hull that was all black in color. Owner advised that the damage was new and not present before the rental agreement was completed. Owner advised that the cost to fix the PWC bearing would be in excess of $5,000. 

When asked why damage was done to both vessels, Subject was unable to understand the question. When communication was able to be established and the question was presented again, Subject denied the damage on the other PWC and denied that the two PWCs collided. 

I left the scene with the PWCs turned over to Owner. I responded to WARMC to speak with Operator2 at this time. 

Upon arrival, I made contact with WARMC ER Staff, who spoke Spanish, and were willing to translate for Operator2 and I. 

Operator2 advised that he and his friends were in Bullhead City enjoying their time off. Operator2 advised that he and his friends, Subject and others, went to the river to enjoy the day. Operator2 advised that he had "two beers" and that he later operated the PWC and "got hit".  

Operator2 advised that he was unsure what hit him, but that he was ejected from the PWC. Operator2 was unable to advise if he was struck by a PWC or boat, or the color of what had struck him. Operator2 advised that he last had an alcoholic beverage at approximately 1200 hours on 07-18-2023. WARMC ER Staff advised that Operator2 had received a fracture on his left leg. 

Operator2 was asked if he would consent to a blood draw, to which he advised that he consents to a blood draw. When the DPS Crime Lab Blood Results were received, the blood results show "Analysis of the specimen showed it to contain 0.072+-0.004 grams of ethanol per 100mL of blood." The DPS Crime Lab Blood Results (Toxicology) were later received and showed "No drugs were detected". Due to officers'' having no observations on Operator2''s operation or any seated battery tests conducted, officers are unable to determine if impairment was present. No OUI charges were requested as a result. Due to officers being unable to determine where the incident occurred, no diagram was completed.


COLORADO RIVER-BULLHEAD CITY
Bullhead City, AZ             