Local & Community

Palm Springs Parade Incident Sparks Investigation, Police Chief Responds

The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade took a tragic turn Saturday night when a motorcycle officer lost control during a stunt, injuring several people in the crowd. Although there were no fatalities, the incident left the community in shock and raised serious concerns about safety protocols at public events. During a segment on The Roggin Report, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills addressed the situation, offering updates and outlining the department's response. Chief Mills explained that the accident occurred when the officer's foot slipped from the motorcycle’s peg during acceleration, causing him to lose control. The officer sustained severe injuries, but Chief Mills clarified that reports of the officer losing a hand were false. Two other individuals remain hospitalized, and the department has expressed its heartfelt concern for their recovery. Chief Mills took full responsibility as the leader of the department and announced a series of reforms to prevent similar incidents. He stated that stunts, such as wheelies, would no longer be permitted during parades. The department has also paused all motorcycle operations pending a thorough review of policies and procedures. An internal investigation is underway to examine the circumstances leading to the accident, including authorization decisions and adherence to policies. The department is also exploring best practices for crowd management and may reevaluate the use of motorcycles at such events. “This was a devastating event for all involved,” Mills said. “We must learn from this and ensure the safety of our community moving forward.” The community continues to process the incident as discussions about accountability and safety take center stage. Further updates on the investigation will be shared as they become available.

By: NBC Palm Springs

December 9, 2024

Palm Springs Light ParadeFestival of Lightsmotorcycle accidentPalm Springs policeAndy Millsparade safetycommunity response
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
182

After a car drove through a walkway, damaging Bill’s Pizza, the restaurant appears to have begun repairs and is still open the following day. The neighboring store, Gallivant was also damaged and is closed until Monday. NBC Palm Springs is following the effects of this accident and what this means to the Palm Springs community. #billspizza #palmsprings #continuingcoverage #localnews #coachellavalley

92

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are using bioengineered baker's yeast to break down plastic into ingredients for cookies.

10

Camden, Arkansas, is the unlikely hub of US missile manufacturing after years of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have drained the country's arsenal. But the Trump administration's push to scale up defense production is colliding with the limits of the small, rural town.

Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will 1) Devin Session with the diving TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dot on the run, 3) Reese Johnson with the clutch FG, 4) Kaylaun Smith running over defenders, or 5) Joshua Perez with the TD throw. #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
303

Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will 1) Devin Session with the diving TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dot on the run, 3) Reese Johnson with the clutch FG, 4) Kaylaun Smith running over defenders, or 5) Joshua Perez with the TD throw. #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball

69

🏒🔥 LET’S HEAR FROM TIM O’BRIEN! We’re kicking off Coachella Valley Firebirds Opening Night and catching up with Tim O’Brien! Hear what he has to say as the Firebirds get ready to hit the ice for another exciting season. 🏒🔥 #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #Firebirds #OpeningNight #Hockey #CoachellaValley PalmSprings CVFirebirds

132

SHARE this reel to help find ‘The Fab 5’ a home! 🐶🤍 #therogginreport #palmsprings #dogrescue #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings

34

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to know the warning signs, schedule your mammogram, and talk with your doctor about the screening schedule that’s right for you. Early detection can make a difference. 💗 #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #Mammogram #EarlyDetection #BreastHealth CoachellaValley DAPHealth

42

🎬 FREE MOVIE TICKETS! 🍿❤️ Our Manny the Movie Guy is here with a chance to see the upcoming screening of “Love of Your Life” — FREE! 📅 This Tuesday 📍 Mary Pickford Theatre — Cathedral City Want to see the movie before everyone else? Manny has the tickets! 🎟️ Watch for details on how you can enter and score your FREE tickets! #MannyTheMovieGuy #LoveOfYourLife #FreeTickets #MovieScreening #CathedralCity CoachellaValley MaryPickford NBCPalmSprings

260

🚨 SB 1379 is officially law, separating the Riverside County Sheriffs department and the coroners offices effective July 2027. @maria_nvtv spoke with Sheriff Chad Bianco and a local mom, and both spoke on what this means to them. Be sure to go to nbcpalmsprings.com to see the full report #SB1379 #RiversideCounty #CaliforniaPolitics #ChadBianco #incustodydeaths

147

It’s time for Season 5!! Fuego stopped by the studio today with a message! Coachella Valley Firebirds season opener this Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. — tickets at CVFIREBIRDS.COM

Palm Springs Parade Incident Sparks Investigation, Police Chief Responds