A dramatic early-morning police chase in Phoenix ended in Tempe with the arrest of an individual accused of impersonating law enforcement. At approximately 2:00 AM, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) trooper reported being overtaken by a red Jeep equipped with flashing red and blue lights while traveling eastbound on I-10 near 35th Avenue. The Jeep, traveling at over 100 mph, quickly caught the trooper’s attention. Upon confirmation that the vehicle was not affiliated with any police agency, the trooper attempted a traffic stop. However, the Jeep’s driver accelerated, prompting the trooper to initiate a high-speed pursuit and request additional backup.
The Phoenix Police Air Unit joined the pursuit, tracking the Jeep as it traveled through the Deck Park Tunnel on I-10, continuing at high speeds with emergency lights flashing. The chase proceeded into Tempe via the Red Mountain 202 freeway and exited at Priest Drive, where the vehicle entered a residential area.
The pursuit concluded near West 7th Place and South Albert Avenue when a DPS trooper deployed a Grappler Police Bumper, immobilizing the Jeep. An adult male passenger attempted to flee on foot, while the female driver and other occupants remained in the vehicle. Officers conducted a high-risk stop, detaining the driver and passengers. A perimeter was established as the Phoenix Police helicopter spotted the fleeing suspect hiding in a backyard nearby. Officers issued several commands before entering the yard to arrest the suspect.
The adult female driver faces multiple charges, including police impersonation and unlawful flight, while the fleeing passenger will also face multiple charges. Other passengers were detained for questioning and released at the scene.