Police Face Heavy Call Volume (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Bullhead City police managed a surge of activity during the 2026 Mayhem Motorcycle Rally, which drew crowds to the area over the April 23-26 weekend. One fatality occurred amid 14 motor vehicle accidents, alongside 12 arrests and 61 traffic citations. The event tested law enforcement resources while riders filled local roads and venues.[1]
Police Face Heavy Call Volume
Officers responded to 500 calls for service during the four-day rally, a slight increase from 492 the previous year. This marked a busy period for the department, which deployed extra personnel to maintain order and safety.[1]
Among the incidents, police recorded 14 motor vehicle accidents, including four on private property. Three of these resulted in injuries, and one proved fatal. The tally reflected the challenges of heavy motorcycle traffic on highways and city streets.[1]
Arrests Drop, Citations Rise
Total arrests stood at 12, down significantly from 26 in 2025. Two individuals faced DUI charges, matching last year’s figure, while two more arrests involved narcotics.[1]
Traffic enforcement ramped up, with 61 citations issued across 72 charges. This exceeded the prior year’s 34 citations and 52 charges, signaling stricter oversight on roadways.[1]
- Police calls: 500 (up from 492)
- Arrests: 12 (down from 26)
- DUIs: 2 (unchanged)
- Motor vehicle accidents: 14 (up from 10)
- Injuries: 3 (unchanged)
- Fatalities: 1 (up from 0)
- Traffic citations: 61 (up from 34)
- Narcotics arrests: 2 (down from 3)
Fatal Accident Underscores Risks
The single fatality stemmed from a motor vehicle accident during the event period. Bullhead City police investigated a motorcycle crash on Highway 95 near Rainbow Drive on Saturday, April 25. A 64-year-old local rider, Tracy Wayne Hevern, suffered fatal injuries and later died at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center.[1][2]
Emergency crews arrived around 5:50 p.m. to find the motorcyclist down. The incident highlighted the dangers of high-speed travel amid congested routes popular with rally participants. No further details on contributing factors emerged immediately.[3]
Rally Draws Thousands as River Run Successor
The Mayhem Motorcycle Rally filled Bullhead City Community Park at 1251 Highway 95 with vendors, entertainment, and a tattoo convention known as Ink Mayhem. Local businessman DK McDonald organized the gathering, which positioned itself as a continuation of the former Laughlin River Run.[4]
Former mayors Rodney Head and Steve D’Amico kicked off proceedings with a Commencement Ride from the park to Mohave Crossroads and back via Bullhead Parkway. The event attracted riders from across the region, boosting local businesses despite the uptick in incidents.[4]
As the engines quieted, police statistics painted a picture of controlled chaos. Fewer arrests suggested effective deterrence, yet the fatality served as a stark reminder of the rally’s inherent perils. Organizers and authorities will likely review these numbers ahead of future editions, balancing economic benefits against public safety concerns.
