Ten people were injured when a motorcycle officer crashed into a crowd watching a holiday parade in Palm Springs, and authorities Sunday are pledging to conduct a full investigation.
The accident took place shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road, along the route of the 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Light Parade in the city’s downtown area.
“Just after 6 p.m. a PSPD traffic officer was involved in an accident on the parade route at Palm Canyon Dr. and Amado Rd.,” city officials said in a statement Saturday. “Ten people including the officer suffered non life threatening injuries. They are being treated at local hospitals. California Highway Patrol is investigating the accident and is requesting video and images be emailed to PSCityGovernmentMedia@palmspringsca.gov.”
A witness told the Los Angeles that the officer was doing a “wheelie” before losing control of the bike, and Palm Springs resident Brenda Taylor told the newspaper that it appeared the officer was traveling at a speed that “did not seem safe.”
A video taken by an attendee and posted by KESQ appears to confirm the account of excessive speed.
City officials promised to get to the bottom of what caused the accident
“By now most of our community knows at the parade tonight one of our traffic motors had an accident on his motorcycle and unfortunately several citizens and our officer were injured,” Palm Sprints Police Chief Andy Mills said in a social media post late Saturday. “I feel terrible about the accident and injuries to the very people we protect. I am deeply concerned and hope for a thorough recovery. CHP has been asked to conduct a complete traffic investigation and we will conduct an administrative investigation. As Chief of Police, I am responsible for this department and the men and women who serve. After we conduct our investigations I will report back to the community. Again, I am truly sorry.”
The annual celebration was held at 401 S. Pavilion Way from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Saturday and featured floats, dance performances, giant balloons and a variety of special guests.
Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum was celebrity grand marshal and Madchen Amick, known as her role in the CW show “Riverdale,” was honorary grand marshal. Miss California Kimberly Vernon and Nancy Sinatra were also featured in the parade.