Motorcyclist honoured for identifying Jensie Hit-and-Run suspect

California Highway Patrol honored Motorcyclist Jamie McPherson of Santa Rosa for his work helping to identify the man accused of intentionally striking cyclists in West Marin last month, which led to the suspect’s arrest

Motorcyclist Jamie McPherson of Santa Rosa was riding in West Marin on Oct. 7 when he saw the incident unfold, as a group of cyclists took part in the Jensie Gran Fondo.

“I was on a group ride and just came up over the crest and saw the accident happen,” said McPherson, who rides a Harley Davidson and had a GoPro video camera mounted to his helmet. “I saw one of the bikes explode when it was hit. I knew I had the video. I’m glad I had the camera on.”

McPherson received a commander’s certificate of commendation from the CHP in Corte Madera and a standing ovation from officers.

McPherson quickly passed on his evidence to CHP and a photo from the video of the suspect’s truck was then posted on social media and disseminated to news organizations.

CHP received numerous tips that led to th arrest and charging of Aaron Michael Paff, 21, of Novato. Police seized his damaged blue Dodge Ram pickup truck as evidence.

“Law enforcement can’t be everywhere at every moment,” said Officer Andrew Barclay, a Marin CHP spokesman. “Sometimes we have to rely on people who were there who saw something to help us. This was a perfect situation for that.”

Spencer Fast of Mill Valley, one of four bicyclists struck by the driver, said “I think it’s absolutely amazing that this terrible event was captured by the gentleman and his GoPro, It was phenomenal what he did.” said Fast, who was recovering,  wearing a sling and a bandage above his eye.  Fast suffered serious injuries and was taken by helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Other riders were less severely injured.

The incident happened on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road just west of Hicks Valley Road. The cyclists were participating in the Jensie Gran Fondo of Marin, a ride that benefits the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.

Aaron Michael Paff has been charged with four felony hit-and-run charges and his bail was set at $200,000.

Paff could face up to five years in prison if convicted of all charges, according to the Marin County District Attorney’s office.