Impairment suspected in late-night crash that killed 2 drivers in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Two people, including a driver suspected of impairment, died in a late-night crash in west Phoenix on Thursday, authorities said.

Ruben Almanza, 40, allegedly fled from a traffic stop before causing the deadly wreck, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

The incident began when an officer pulled Almanza over just before 11:35 p.m. near 59th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. The officer spoke to Almanza, who showed signs of impairment, for several minutes before the driver sped off on Lower Buckeye Road, police said.

Soon after, police received a call about a crash near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Officers responded to the site of the collision, which involved Almanza’s vehicle and a car driven by 35-year-old Melvina Jones.

Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, and Almanza succumbed to his injuries after being taken to a hospital.

“The preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle driven by Almanza was westbound on Lower Buckeye Road when it crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with the vehicle driven by Jones, which was eastbound,” Sgt. Rob Scherer said in a media advisory.

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