Speeding driver ignores DPS, crashes near Phoenix freeway
Mar 20, 2019, 8:23 AM | Updated: Mar 21, 2019, 3:41 pm
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX – A driver who reached speeds of nearly 100 mph on a Phoenix freeway late Tuesday was taken into custody after crashing while trying to get on another highway in the wrong direction.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Kameron Lee said the suspect smashed into a wall while trying to get on State Route 51 the wrong way at Thomas Road.
The suspect, identified as Justin L. Lopez, had already, Lee said, been driving north on Interstate 17 near Camelback at a “criminal speed.”
Troopers tried to pull over the black Mustang around 11:30 p.m. but were ignored.
Troopers decided not to chase the car but Phoenix Police sent a helicopter to track it as the driver made his way through city streets.
When he reached the second freeway, he headed in the wrong direction.
Lopez and two passengers jumped out of the car and ran but were caught.
Northbound lanes were closed for hours for the investigation.
Lopez was booked into Maricopa County Jail on charges of aggravated DUI/wrong-way driving, felony flight, failure to obey law enforcement, failure to stay at the scene of an accident and criminal speed.
The passengers were released.
