Arizona DPS trooper nearly struck by wrong-way driver on Phoenix freeway

PHOENIX — An Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper was nearly struck by a wrong-way driver on a Phoenix freeway over the weekend, an official said.

Spokesman Quentin Mehr said the trooper was driving in the northbound lanes of State Route 51 near Cactus Road about 4 a.m. Saturday when he was almost hit head-on by 32-year-old Michael Murrell.

Mehr said the trooper was forced to swerve around the allegedly southbound Murrell, who was using one of the inside lanes.

After the near-miss, the trooper was able to pull Murrell over near Northern Avenue.

Murrell was charged with DUI. Other charges were pending.

The trooper’s name was not released.

Related

WATCH: Jay Feely, Amish Shah debate differing visions for Arizona 1st Congressional DistrictPolice investigating after early-morning shooting in Phoenix leaves 2 men deadCongressional candidate Bernadette Greene-Placentia reports sexual assaultArizona tax preparer convicted of filing false returns for clientsChandler behavioral health facility patients attack nurses and police, steal drugsNext phase of I-10 widening between Phoenix and Casa Grande begins