Car chase through Mesa, reservation ends in driver’s surrender

PHOENIX – An attempted traffic stop in Mesa turned into a high-speed chase across miles of open road Wednesday before authorities were able to take the driver and two passengers into custody.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the chase began on a city street shortly before 7 a.m. and ended in surrender on the Salt River Reservation about a half-hour later.

ABC15 reported a DPS spokesman said the driver, 31-year-old Joey Doka, had made unsafe lane changes.

A trooper turned on his lights and siren and followed Doka’s red Kia into a shopping center at Country Club Drive and McKellips Road, close to Loop 202.

With support from Ranger 1 + Salt River PD, AZDPS troopers detained 3 people after a pursuit began in Mesa & ended on the Salt River Reservation this AM. Suspect driver has warrants for probation violations & will be charged w/unlawful flight. Two other occupants were released. pic.twitter.com/LrevJTHfd8

— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) October 30, 2019

Doka didn’t stop. Instead he got back on the street, speeding. He made it onto dirt roads near Scottsdale, then onto reservation land, where Salt River Police joined the chase.

The car eventually got stuck in dirt. The three inside gave up when officers reached them.

Doka had warrants out for violating probations. He was to be charged with unlawful flight. The others were let go.

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