Motorists reportedly block wrong-way driver on Phoenix freeway
Jul 12, 2017, 12:17 PM | Updated: 1:10 pm
(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
PHOENIX — A possible wrong-way driver was thwarted overnight by other motorists after he hit a concrete barrier in Phoenix and witnesses called 911, police said.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis said the publicly unidentified man was driving about 1:15 a.m. near Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue when he hit at least one barrier.
“The driver struck a concrete barrier and then positioned his car as if to drive in the wrong way,” Lewis said.
AZCentral reported several motorists used their cars to block the driver from getting on the freeway. He attempted to turn around and drive off, but crashed into a gas station.
“He never made it on to the on-ramps, he did not make it onto the main line, but he was followed until the vehicle high-centered and came to rest,” Lewis said, adding that the driver’s car was lodged in place.
The driver waited for police at the gas station. He was booked on suspicion of DUI.
“We don’t want people to put themselves too far out and we definitely don’t encourage people to put themselves in harm’s way to get this information,” Lewis said.
Lewis said a phone call from a witness was key to getting officers on the scene quickly. However, he said people should use caution when reporting — or attempted to halt — a possibly impaired driver.
“We don’t want people to put themselves too far out and we definitely don’t encourage people to put themselves in harm’s way to get this information,” Lewis said.
KTAR News’ Jeremy Foster contributed to this report.
