Escalon man dies in motorcycle crash after fleeing traffic stop, CHP says
An Escalon motorcyclist died Sunday after crashing head-on into an Audi in Calaveras County while fleeing a traffic stop, the California Highway Patrol said.
A CHP patrol officer watched a rider, later identified as 27-year-old Spencer Roark, on a 2021 Harley-Davidson blow through a stop sign around 6:25 p.m. in Murphys, according to a press release. The officer attempted to pull over Roark, but he fled west on State Route 4 at high speed.
As Roark drove a curve in the road, he crossed the double yellow line into the eastbound lane, CHP said. Deana Capurro, 49, was traveling at the speed limit in that east lane in a 2014 Audi.
Roark was ejected from the motorcycle and landed on the north shoulder of State Route 4.
The CHP officer reached the crash site within seconds and attempted lifesaving measures with another motorist who stopped to help.
First responders arrived and took over care, but Roark was pronounced dead on the scene, CHP said.
A passenger in the Audi was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. Capurro suffered minor injuries and declined transportation.
It is not yet known if drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash.
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 2:34 PM.
