Phoenix, Arizona — A late-night pursuit through Phoenix ended in a violent crash after a suspect fleeing authorities slammed into a freeway overpass fence, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The chase unfolded late Tuesday night along Interstate 10, a heavily traveled freeway that has seen several high-speed incidents in recent months.
A DPS supervisor told Arizona’s Family that the chase began when troopers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle near 35th Avenue. The driver, however, accelerated instead of pulling over — pushing speeds to nearly 130 mph, a pace DPS described as “extremely dangerous” for nighttime freeway traffic.
Troopers Lose Sight of Vehicle During Pursuit
The chase continued westbound on I-10, but troopers were forced to halt pursuit after losing visual contact with the suspect vehicle around 75th Avenue. Officials say disengaging is a standard safety procedure when a fleeing driver reaches speeds that place the public at risk.
Even after the active pursuit ended, troopers remained in the area, hoping to relocate the vehicle before it caused further danger.
Crash Occurs Near 79th Avenue Freeway Exit
A short time later, a trooper spotted the same vehicle exiting I-10 at 79th Avenue. According to DPS, the driver appeared to lose control while taking the off-ramp. Moments later, the vehicle crashed into the freeway overpass fence, sending debris across the area and leaving the SUV heavily damaged.
Investigators say it is unclear whether the driver was attempting to flee on foot or regain control of the vehicle — but the force of the impact left the suspect trapped inside.
Suspect Hospitalized With Serious Injuries
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the crash site and extricated the driver from the wreck. DPS confirmed that the suspect was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, though the exact extent of the trauma has not yet been released.
Authorities are still waiting to provide charging information, though troopers indicated that charges will likely include multiple felony offenses due to the high speeds and failure to obey law enforcement commands.
Scene Cleared Before Morning Traffic
The damaged vehicle was removed from the scene around 2 a.m., allowing crews to reopen the area before early morning commuters began moving through the corridor. No other vehicles were struck during the chase or the final crash, according to DPS.
Officials have not indicated whether impairment, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role in the suspect’s loss of control.
Investigation Underway
DPS detectives are now reviewing dashcam footage, witness statements, and roadway evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Authorities say that high-speed pursuits remain a serious safety concern, especially on major freeways like Interstate 10, where traffic conditions can change quickly — even late at night.
More details, including the suspect’s identity and pending charges, are expected once the individual’s medical condition stabilizes.
Do you believe law enforcement should continue high-speed pursuits when drivers hit dangerous speeds — or should there be stricter limits?
Share your thoughts, experiences, or local insights in the comments — your perspective matters.
