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Motorcyle Crash Near Casino Ends In Arrest

COARSEGOLD – A motorcycle crash near the Chukchansi Casino in the Coarsegold area ended with the driver being placed under arrest and airlifted to the hospital with major injuries.

Nakoma Pampaian, 26, of Coarsegold, was driving a 2005 Honda CBR 1000 westbound on Road 417 at speeds in excess of 65 mph, approaching the bridge in front of the Chukchansi Casino.He was right behind his wife, Erica Rodriguez, 23, also of Coarsegold, who was westbound in a 2001 BMW 325i. For unknown reasons, Pampaian decided to pass her, pulling directly into the path of an oncoming eastbound vehicle, according to CHP.

As he was apparently trying to squeeze in between the two cars, Pampaian hit the left rear fender of the BMW, lost control of the motorcycle, hit the guard rail and flew over the bike, landing in the middle of the road and sustaining multiple fractures to his left lag and pelvic bone.

The bike basically disintegrated, with pieces landing in the parking lot at the Chukchansi and all over the road and surrounding area. According to witnesses on scene, there was nothing left but the engine and part of the frame.

Both wheels came off, and debris was scattered over 300 yards, says the CHP.

Pampaian was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, and was flown to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

The collision is still under investigation.

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online