Mesa mother delivers baby in car

PHOENIX — A minivan became a birthing center in Mesa on Wednesday morning.

Ariana Critzer and her husband, Ryan, became new parents after the expectant mom delivered her own baby in her car less than a mile away from the hospital.

Ryan called 911 on their way to Banner Gateway Medical Center, but Ariana was already giving birth.

The couple pulled over near University and Country Club drives in Mesa and delivered the bundle of joy just before firefighters showed up.

Fire Captain Forrest Smith said firefighters rolled up to the location finding two patients to look at.

“We were doing this assessment, of course, we are also treating mom. This was all happening in the minivan, so we have to be prepared for any type of situation,” he said.

Both mom and the newborn baby girl were transported to the closest hospital and are in perfect condition.