A fatal hit-and-run crash on Sept. 14 near Rural Road and Lemon Street prompted police to begin investigations at Tempe Tavern that authorities said uncovered hundreds of  underage drinking cases.

Tempe police on Wednesday released information about the deadly collision involving a 19-year-old woman who they said had been inside Tempe Tavern before the crash.

The hit-and-run occurred at 1:21 a.m. when an 18-year-old motorcyclist collided with a self-driving car that was turning. Seconds later, he was struck by a white Chevrolet Camaro, whose driver left the scene, police said.

Police analyzed video and license plate identification, and detectives learned the Camaro’s driver was a 19-year-old Tempe resident.

The woman turned herself in to police several hours after the crash, and she faces a pending charge for failure to stop at a collision involving death, police said.

An investigation showed the 19-year-old woman arrived at Tempe Tavern at 10:18 p.m. and left at 12:42 a.m. Shortly after walking home, she got into her car and was involved in the collision.

“This tragic incident, combined with continued complaints about underage entry at Tempe Tavern, prompted Tempe Police to return to the establishment for a second large-scale liquor-law compliance operation (on Nov. 20). The first operation in April resulted in nearly 170 arrests,” police stated in a release.

During the Nov. 20 operation, officers found 249 underage individuals inside the bar. Arrests were made for violations including possession of fake IDs, underage intoxication and providing false information, the release stated.

Fire inspectors documented at least one fire-code violation, and the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is conducting a separate investigation, police said.

“These operations are about safety, accountability and preventing tragedies,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said.

“Ensuring compliance protects our community and helps prevent serious incidents. We remain committed to our core values of excellence, professionalism and compassion.”

The investigation into the latest underage alcohol enforcement operation is ongoing, police said.

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