In the early hours of Sunday morning, a high-speed chase ending in a fiery crash disrupted the calm at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport when Ivan Correa, allegedly driving under the influence, crashed his vehicle after hurtling at speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour, as per ABC15. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reports that the incident occurred around 1 a.m. near Loop 202 and Priest Drive.
The chase began when a deputy, who was part of a DUI Task Force, attempted to apprehend Correa for his excessive speed, but had to abort the pursuit as Correa accelerated towards the airport, ending when the car rolled multiple times outside Terminal 3 and caught fire, according to AZFamily. Despite his handcuffed state, Correa attempted to flee on foot, while one passenger also tried to escape the scene.
Authorities later located and detained all three individuals involved, with Correa and one passenger requiring hospitalization for non-life-threatening injuries; the third passenger was released without requiring medical care. This sequence of events not only resulted in damage to airport property but also raised serious questions regarding the safety measures in place to prevent such high-risk incidents on airport grounds.
While the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Office has submitted Correa’s blood samples for analysis to confirm DUI charges, amidst a broader conversation about the consequences of recklessness at the wheel and its cost paid in public safety and damaged infrastructure. "Deputies say Correa is under investigation for DUI, with charges pending test results," ABC15 reported, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the impending legal repercussions for the actions leading up to the disturbing spectacle outside one of the busiest transit hubs in the city.
