A Mesa man faces serious charges after initiating a shootout with a state trooper and causing a multi-vehicle crash in Gilbert. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the incident took place on Tuesday around 7:30 p.m when a trooper spotted a gray Nissan sedan speeding in the westbound lanes of the Loop 202 near Power Road. The attempted traffic stop escalated into a pursuit as the driver refused to pull over, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Durings the chase, 22-year-old Christopher Mendez of Mesa allegedly fired shots at the trooper's vehicle. The DPS confirmed, "At this time, we do not have any reports of any other parties or vehicles being struck by gunfire." The pursuit ended when Mendez lost control of his vehicle, hit three other vehicles, and rolled over while exiting the freeway at Williams Field Road. Mendez was subsequently detained by troopers, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
No injuries were sustained by the trooper, and no other parties were reportedly harmed in the gunfire. The harrowing incident came to a conclusion after Mendez's car overturned. He suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized before facing multiple felony charges. The details of the crash and Mendez's custody were highlighted in a news release from the DPS covered by AZ Central.
An Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesperson stated, "He received minor injuries and was taken to a hospital." Post-treatment, Mendez will be booked on numerous felony charges. The nature of these charges has yet to be released, as per AZ Central.
