1 man dead in downtown Phoenix crash involving teen driver

PHOENIX — Detectives are investigating a two-car crash in downtown Phoenix on Saturday morning that left one adult man dead and involved a teen driver, authorities said.

Police responded to the area near 18th and Van Buren streets at around 4:30 a.m. and found 25-year-old Roberto Olivas with “critical injuries.” Olivas was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

Downtown Phoenix crash details

Detectives learned that Olivas was “driving at a high rate of speed” before ramming into another car with a teen driver and multiple passengers.

Authorities said the teen and passengers “left the area on foot” before police arrived on the scene.

However, detectives contacted the teen when at their residence and they admitted to driving the car.

No impairment was suspected in the teen driver, authorities said.

This is an ongoing investigation.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on July 12, 2025.

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