VIDEO: Fatal High-Speed Escape – Motorcyclist’s Last Ride from Police on JWP

A 29-year-old motorcyclist tragically lost his life during a high-speed chase with Maricopa Police on February 1. Newly released police video captures Demetrius Catus wobbling on his bike just before crashing at the intersection of John Wayne and Alterra Parkways.

Catus succumbed to a “massive head injury,” according to Sgt. Michael Ewald, the officer who pursued him. Ewald witnessed the crash and was the first to provide assistance. Catus was reportedly traveling at excessive speeds—estimated to be three times the limit—when he failed to navigate a curve in the road.

Maricopa police disclosed dashcam and bodycam footage following a Freedom of Information Act request from InMaricopa. They also released a detailed police report related to the incident.

“Call paramedics, he’s crashed,” Ewald relayed to a dispatcher as he hurried toward Catus’ body. Upon arrival, he reported to dispatch that the motorcyclist had “no breathing, faint pulse and a broken neck.” A pool of blood was visible near Catus’ head in the footage, which ended up resting against a curb.

The wreckage extended about 100 feet away from Catus, with debris littered across the area before the motorcycle’s frame came to a stop just beyond the intersection.

The pursuit began when Ewald spotted Catus’ Kawasaki Sport cycle traveling southbound on John Wayne Parkway. The officer estimated the motorcyclist sped past him at 80 miles per hour in a 35 miles-per-hour zone. “He was wobbly, like he didn’t know how to ride,” Ewald noted.

In his report, Ewald indicated a belief that Catus might have been inexperienced or impaired, describing him as weaving dangerously. Ewald activated his lights and requested Catus to pull over, which he briefly attempted to do before accelerating past a red light and reaching speeds up to 90 miles per hour.

As Catus sped through intersections with Ewald in pursuit, the motorcycle allegedly hit 100 miles per hour. Due to the severity of the crash, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office’s Vehicular Crimes Unit has been called in to continue the investigation, which remains open with assistance from Coolidge police.

Public records identify Catus as a resident of Tortosa since January 2023, having relocated from Chandler. He worked as a social media coordinator for Nike in Tempe. Prior to this incident, Catus had faced DUI charges twice in Phoenix municipal court, with one case resulting in a guilty plea last year.

Toxicology results from the February 1 crash are still pending as the investigation continues.

CONTENT WARNING: THE FOLLOWING VIDEO IS EXTREMELY GRAPHIC.