PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Two people are dead after a high-speed motorcycle crash Wednesday night on Roosevelt Boulevard, just minutes after police attempted to stop the vehicle, which had been reported stolen.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:55 p.m. on June 25 in the city’s 8th District. According to the preliminary investigation, the motorcycle — identified as Unit 1 — was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when it ran a red light at Comly Road and collided with a minivan making a legal left turn from southbound Roosevelt Boulevard onto eastbound Comly.
The force of the impact caused both the motorcycle’s operator and passenger to be ejected. Both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The minivan, identified as Unit 2, made minor contact with a third vehicle during the collision. No injuries were reported in Units 2 or 3.
Police have identified the motorcyclist as Robert J. Donahue, 34, of the 2300 block of Allegheny Avenue. The identity of the passenger has not been released pending family notification.
Police attempted stop before fatal crash
Investigators confirmed that a Philadelphia police officer assigned to the department’s Dirt Bike/ATV Detail had attempted to initiate a vehicle stop just minutes earlier. The officer activated overhead lights at Red Lion Road and Roosevelt Boulevard after determining that the motorcycle was listed as stolen.
It remains unclear whether the motorcycle accelerated in response to the attempted stop. Officials have not indicated if a pursuit occurred prior to the crash.
Investigation ongoing by Crash Division and Internal Affairs
The Crash Investigation Division (CID) and the Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. The investigation includes both the crash and the events leading up to the police interaction.
No further details have been released at this time.
