Phoenix man accused of ramming car carrying girlfriend, his kids

PHOENIX — A Phoenix man has been arrested after allegedly ramming his girlfriend’s car that had his three children inside and then fleeing after the vehicle caught fire, authorities said.

Phoenix police said 34-year-old Bryan Swanson was jailed on suspicion of aggravated assault with a vehicle and three counts of child abuse.

Court records state that Swanson got into a fight with his girlfriend while they were driving separate vehicles last Friday morning.

Swanson’s children — ages 4, 7 and 11 months — were in his girlfriend’s car.

Witnesses said Swanson ran into her vehicle and smoke began coming out of it. Someone called 911.

They said Swanson fled on foot even though his children were screaming that the car was on fire.

Swanson’s girlfriend got the kids out safely.

Asked by police why he didn’t call for help, Swanson said he didn’t want to get his girlfriend in trouble and he didn’t want to be arrested for a separate misdemeanor warrant out of Gilbert.

Swanson’s next court hearing is scheduled for May 21.