Tempe, AZ - Tempe Police are underscoring the importance of underage alcohol enforcement following a deadly hit-and-run collision in September involving a 19-year-old woman who had been inside Tempe Tavern before the crash.

The fatal hit-and-run happened near Rural Rd. and Lemon St. at 1:21 a.m. on September 14, when an 18-year-old motorcyclist collided with a self-driving car that was turning. Seconds later, he was struck by a white Chevrolet Camaro, whose driver left the scene.

Through video analysis, license plate identification, and follow-up investigative work, detectives learned the Camaro’s driver was a 19-year-old Tempe resident. Officers went to her home shortly after the collision, but she was not there. Several hours later, she contacted police and turned herself in. She faces a pending Class 3 felony charge for failure to stop at a collision involving death (ARS 28-661).

The investigation shows the 19-year-old woman arrived at Tempe Tavern at 10:18 p.m. and left at 12:42 a.m. Shortly after walking home, she got into her car and was involved in the deadly hit-and-run collision.

This tragic incident, combined with continued complaints about underage entry at Tempe Tavern, prompted Tempe Police to return to the establishment for a second large-scale liquor-law compliance operation. The first operation in April resulted in nearly 170 arrests.

During the November 20 operation, officers found 249 underage individuals inside the bar. Arrests were made for violations including possession of fake IDs, underage intoxication, and providing false information. Fire inspectors documented at least one fire-code violation, and the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is conducting a separate investigation.

“These operations are about safety, accountability, and preventing tragedies,” said Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy. “Ensuring compliance protects our community and helps prevent serious incidents. We remain committed to our core values of excellence, professionalism, and compassion.”

The investigation into the latest underage alcohol enforcement operation is ongoing.