LAS VEGAS, NV - A father of five who was sitting at a red light on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle was struck, tossed into the air, and killed by an intoxicated driver who slammed into him while allegedly rushing to place a bet at a casino.
The driver, 64-year-old Waymon Wells, was under the influence of cocaine, benzodiazepines, 11-Hydroxy-THC, and Delta-9-THC when he failed to stop and struck 48-year-old Joshua Baker on April 8 at the intersection of West Oakey Boulevard and South Verde Jardin Way, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law & Crime.
Evidence collected at the scene and witness statements indicated that Wells was driving a 2016 Jeep Renegade and "failed to use due care" while approaching the red light where Baker was sitting on a 2025 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"This action caused the front of the Jeep to strike the Harley-Davidson's rear, projecting it and its rider southeast, resulting in the rider's total ejection," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department alleges in a press release.
Wells, who also reportedly struck a Kia Telluride idling at the light, told responding officers that he was on his way to place a bet when the crash occurred, according to KLAS, citing information shared in court by Clark County prosecutors.
Wells was arrested after the crash and has since been charged with DUI of alcohol and/or controlled or prohibited substance resulting in death, driving without a driver's license, and failure to decrease speed under certain circumstances.
Court records show that Wells had two previous misdemeanor convictions and two open traffic citations. He was held on $500,000 bail.
"It's something that could've been prevented," attorney Amanda Nalder, who is representing Baker's family, told KLAS. "He made that choice to be on that road that day," Nalder said. "Josh just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time that day."
Baker's wife, Renee Barber, told KLAS, "We are going to be lost without him, and he has five children, who now don't have a father because of somebody's choice to be under the influence and drive."
Baker is described by Red Rock Harley-Davidson, where he worked as a master technician, as someone who "lived and breathed the Harley-Davidson spirit," according to a social media tribute posted by the local motorcycle dealer.
"He dedicated 20 years to his craft, taking pride in every bike and every rider he helped along the way," the tribute says. "He built more than machines — he built relationships, trust, and a legacy that will ride on for years to come."
The driver, 64-year-old Waymon Wells, was under the influence of cocaine, benzodiazepines, 11-Hydroxy-THC, and Delta-9-THC when he failed to stop and struck 48-year-old Joshua Baker on April 8 at the intersection of West Oakey Boulevard and South Verde Jardin Way, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law & Crime.
Evidence collected at the scene and witness statements indicated that Wells was driving a 2016 Jeep Renegade and "failed to use due care" while approaching the red light where Baker was sitting on a 2025 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"This action caused the front of the Jeep to strike the Harley-Davidson's rear, projecting it and its rider southeast, resulting in the rider's total ejection," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department alleges in a press release.
Wells, who also reportedly struck a Kia Telluride idling at the light, told responding officers that he was on his way to place a bet when the crash occurred, according to KLAS, citing information shared in court by Clark County prosecutors.
Wells was arrested after the crash and has since been charged with DUI of alcohol and/or controlled or prohibited substance resulting in death, driving without a driver's license, and failure to decrease speed under certain circumstances.
Court records show that Wells had two previous misdemeanor convictions and two open traffic citations. He was held on $500,000 bail.
"It's something that could've been prevented," attorney Amanda Nalder, who is representing Baker's family, told KLAS. "He made that choice to be on that road that day," Nalder said. "Josh just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time that day."
Baker's wife, Renee Barber, told KLAS, "We are going to be lost without him, and he has five children, who now don't have a father because of somebody's choice to be under the influence and drive."
Baker is described by Red Rock Harley-Davidson, where he worked as a master technician, as someone who "lived and breathed the Harley-Davidson spirit," according to a social media tribute posted by the local motorcycle dealer.
"He dedicated 20 years to his craft, taking pride in every bike and every rider he helped along the way," the tribute says. "He built more than machines — he built relationships, trust, and a legacy that will ride on for years to come."
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