Motorcyclist flown to Tucson hospital after being struck by Jeep

A head-on collision on U.S. Highway 70 near Solomon was the result of driver fatigue.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

GRAHAM COUNTY – A motorcyclist was flown to Banner – University Medical Center Tucson (UMC) on Saturday after he was struck by a Jeep SUV on U.S. Highway 191. 

The collision took place at about 4:24 p.m. as the Jeep, driven by Robert James Shotts, 18, turned left onto the highway from Lebanon Road directly in front of a black, Harley Davidson motorcycle that was southbound on the highway. 

The male motorcycle driver suffered numerous severe injuries and was airlifted to UMC. His female passenger also suffered various injuries and was transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment. Both occupants of the motorcycle are from Reserve, New Mexico. 

Shotts was given a citation for making an unsafe turn and the motorcycle driver was also given a citation for not having insurance, according to an Arizona Department of Public Safety medial relations specialist.