Truck driver who hit bikers tested positive for meth

OFF THE WIRE
Source: kvoa.com
Phoenix, AZ - Police said the driver of a dump truck that slammed into a group of motorcycles stopped at a red light was exhibiting signs of impaired driving when he was arrested Tuesday on manslaughter charges relating to the fatal crash last month.
Michael Jakscht, 46, faces four counts of manslaughter, five counts of aggravated assault and seven counts of endangerment, Phoenix police said.

Officers with the major crime bureau had Jakscht under surveillance at his Scottsdale home on Tuesday and followed him as he drove away, spokesman Sgt. Trent Crump said. They said he was exhibiting signs of driving while impaired when toxicology tests from the March incident arrived, prompting them to stop him.

Those initial toxicology tests showed that Jakscht had illegal drugs believed to be methamphetamine in his system on the afternoon of March 25 when his truck rear-ended eight motorcycles, killing three men and one woman, Crump said. Five other riders were injured, one severely.

Police had rushed the tests, which normally take four to six weeks. It was not immediately known whether police conducted any tests based on his driving Tuesday. Jakscht was brought from police headquarters to the Maricopa County jail for booking Tuesday afternoon. An initial court appearance is normally held within 24 hours of being booked into jail, and a public defender assigned to the case if a private attorney hasn't been retained.

The eight motorcycles, carrying nine people, had stopped behind a pickup and a small SUV when the truck driver rammed them from behind, police said. The truck ran over the motorcyclists and plowed into the SUV.

Some of the motorcycles burst into flames under the dump truck, while others ended up scattered behind the truck. The crash site was a horrifying collection of mangled chrome Harley-Davidson and other heavyweight bikes and scattered personal belongings, including pairs of riders' boots laying in the road.

Killed in the accident were Dayle Veronica Downs-Totonchi, 47, Clyde R. Nachand, 67, and Daniel L. Butler, 35, all of the Phoenix area. Also killed was Stephen Punch, 52, of Lockport, La.

Crump said additional impaired driving charges are being considered based on Jakscht's driving Tuesday.