Hit-and-run suspect visited Tempe bar hours before deadly crash, PD says
Deadly crash intensifies calls to revoke Tempe Tavern liquor license
Police say a 19-year-old woman was inside Tempe Tavern, a bar recently targeted in an underage drinking sting, shortly before she was involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has more on what a city councilmember is calling for.
TEMPE, Ariz. - A 19-year-old woman was inside Tempe Tavern, a bar recently in trouble for an underage drinking sting, before she was involved in a deadly hit-and-run, the police department said.
What we know:
"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," the Tempe Police Department said in a Dec. 3 news release.
Detectives used video analysis, license plate identification and other investigative work to identify the Camaro’s driver as 19-year-old Tempe resident Ava Bellowe. Officers went to her home shortly after the collision, but she was not there. Several hours later, she contacted police and surrendered.
Police said Bellowe arrived at Tempe Tavern at 10:18 p.m. and left at 12:42 a.m. She reportedly walked home, then got into her car and was involved in the hit-and-run.
Bellowe is accused of felony failure to stop at a collision involving death.
Joseph Gonzalez, 18, was identified as the victim in the crash.
19-year-old Ava Bellowe
Big picture view:
"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," the police department said. "During the November 20 operation, officers found 249 underage individuals inside the bar."
Arrests were made for violations that included possession of fraudulent IDs, underage intoxication and providing false information. Fire inspectors documented "at least one" fire code violation.
(Related) Underage drinking bust: 249 arrested at Tempe bar
Almost 250 people were arrested for underage drinking at Tempe Tavern, and it's not the first time the bar had a major police sweep. FOX 10's Megan Spector has the latest on whether the bar could have its license suspended.
What they're saying:
City leaders are calling on the Arizona State Liquor Board to revoke the liquor licenses for Tempe Tavern following a series of mass arrests at the establishment.
Tempe City Councilors, including Randy Keating, say the city has limited power and that the Liquor Board must take action.
"Unfortunately, the city doesn't have a lot of power. Here is really the state liquor board that needs to take action," Keating said. "I'm surprised stricter action wasn't taken after the first incident, and unfortunately, there's been a tragic accident in the city. Someone is dead, and someone's life is potentially ruined. And it's a tragic tragedy. And it should have never happened."
‘A blatant and brazen disregard for the law’
"It's a blatant and brazen disregard for the law. That's upsetting me. Other establishments in Tempe aren't seeing this problem," Keating said. "I would like to see their liquor license revoked."
He doesn't think this is happening by chance.
"It's not a coincidence it's happening at this one establishment. It cannot be just some accident or spin of the cosmic wheel," Keating said.
What's next:
"The investigation into the latest underage alcohol enforcement operation is ongoing," Tempe Police said.
The Liquor Board has indicated it is waiting for the Tempe Police Department's investigation to conclude before it can take action.
Tempe Tavern has repeatedly declined to comment on the investigations.