A woman is in custody this week after Tolleson police say she hit a man with her vehicle near 83rd Avenue and Van Buren Street, then took off, leaving him dead at the scene. The fatal collision has triggered an active investigation along one of the city's busiest corridors.
Arrest Made, Details Limited
Tolleson police arrested a woman in connection with the deadly hit-and-run, according to Arizona's Family. The brief report notes that officers have a suspect in custody but are not releasing the suspect's name, the victim's identity, or any formal list of charges at this stage of the case.
Where It Happened
The crash occurred at Van Buren Street and 83rd Avenue, a stretch already flagged by the city as a problem spot. In its Road Safety Action Plan, Tolleson labels Van Buren and 83rd as high-injury locations and calls for upgrades such as better lighting, medians and improved visibility to cut down on risks for people walking and crossing the roadway.
Statewide Context
The Tolleson death comes against a grim backdrop on Arizona roads. The state's Department of Transportation recorded 1,228 traffic fatalities in 2024 in its Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report, noting that speeding and impairment remain leading contributors to deadly wrecks. ADOT points to those numbers as a reminder of why safety upgrades on heavily traveled arterials like Van Buren are a continuing priority.
Legal Consequences
Under Arizona law, leaving the scene of a crash that kills someone is not a minor paperwork problem; it is a felony. Arizona Legislature records show that ARS 28-661 makes failure to stop after a collision causing death or serious injury a class 3 felony, upgraded to a class 2 felony if the driver caused the crash. In fatal cases, the law also allows for revoking the driver's license for up to 10 years.
Investigation Ongoing
Tolleson police say the investigation is still underway and have not yet released additional information about the victim or any specific charges, according to Arizona's Family. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and work with prosecutors, and the department is asking anyone who may have seen the crash or has information about it to contact local police.
