By Jon Johnson/Gila Herald
SAFFORD — A Friday evening motorcycle ride between a father and his 9-year-old son turned into a dangerous emergency when a suspected impaired truck driver struck the young boy’s dirt bike on South Stockton Road.
The driver, identified as Marcus Anthony Rope, 21, of Safford, was arrested by Graham County Sheriff’s deputies for driving under the influence following the two-vehicle collision.
According to Graham County Sheriff’s Office reports, the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, near the intersection of South Stockton Road and East Double K Drive—a two-lane, 45 mph zone with marked passing lanes.
The youth was riding a 750-series motorbike alongside his father, traveling northbound on the east shoulder of Stockton Road. The father told investigating deputies that he was riding closer to the fog line with his son positioned to his right.
The pair noticed a 2016 gray Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck approaching from behind, traveling northbound at approximately 45 mph in the pitch-black, unlit corridor, and both father and son tried to cross to the west shoulder to get clear of traffic.
However, Rope’s truck reportedly drifted toward the center of the roadway and struck the 9-year-old boy’s dirt bike.
Following the impact, the boy’s father reported that Rope urged him not to contact law enforcement. Disregarding the request, the father immediately called 911 for emergency assistance.
Law enforcement was initially dispatched to the scene along with medical responders regarding reports that the young boy had suffered road rash to his head and knees. First responders evaluated the juvenile on-scene before paramedics transported him to Mount Graham Regional Medical Center for further medical evaluation and treatment. He was later released.
Multiple Graham County Sheriff’s deputies responded to secure the scene, assist medical personnel, and conduct an accident reconstruction.
According to the official crash report, the primary causes of the accident were attributed to Rope’s impairment while operating a motor vehicle, as well as traffic violations regarding proper roadway operation by the unregistered dirt bike. Investigating officers also noted that Rope was operating his vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
Rope was taken into custody at the scene and formally arrested for driving under the influence. He was also cited for driving on a suspended license and is scheduled to be arraigned on that charge on Sept. 22.
