An early morning rollover crash near 63rd Avenue and Baseline Road left a Gila River Police Department officer injured earlier today. According to ABC15, the accident occurred around 2:20 a.m. just west of Loop 202 South Mountain. The collision involved a marked police vehicle, which was found overturned and extensively damaged, as well as another car showing signs of front-end damage.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office reported that the occupants of the second car, a driver, and a passenger, fled the scene on foot before Phoenix police officers were able to locate and detain them. According to officials, alcohol impairment is suspected to have played a part in the incident. The Gila River Police Department has not yet publicly detailed what is believed to have led up to the crash, as investigations are still ongoing. Baseline Road was closed between 67th Avenue and Loop 202 South Mountain while emergency services worked on-site, but the freeway remained open.
As stated by 12News, the injured officer was transported to a hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening. The nature of these injuries has not been disclosed. The officer's vehicle appeared to have its roof severely caved in from the impact of the crash, with the second involved car showing significant damage to its hood and engine.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is now leading the investigation into this incident. Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash and the specifics of the suspected alcohol impairment are expected to be revealed as the investigation proceeds. Commuters were warned to expect ongoing delays in the area and to seek alternate routes where possible. Further information will be made available once the authorities provide additional updates on the matter.
