A late-night car fire on the Loop 101 in Glendale turned into a homicide investigation Tuesday, after troopers found a passenger dead inside the burned vehicle and arrested the driver, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Fire crews knocked down the flames, then discovered the victim, who appeared to have a gunshot wound, and westbound lanes were shut down for hours while investigators combed through the scene.
What happened
Troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety say they rolled up on reports of a vehicle fire and found a charred car with a passenger dead inside. The driver was taken into custody at the scene. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, DPS confirmed the passenger had a gunshot wound. Officials have not released the names of either the victim or the arrested driver.
Where it happened
Arizona's Family crews at the scene reported the fire broke out around 10:30 p.m. on the westbound Loop 101, the Agua Fria Freeway, north of Union Hills Road. Westbound traffic between Union Hills and 75th Avenue was shut down, per Arizona's Family. Crews eventually removed the vehicle in the early morning hours and reopened the lanes after investigators wrapped up their work. Photos and video from the scene show multiple fire units and DPS troopers clustered along the freeway shoulder.
Investigation and next steps
DPS said detectives stayed on scene through the night and that the driver was arrested, though the agency has not yet detailed any potential charges or released identities. The case is described as active, and investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Arizona DPS, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
This story is still developing, and we will update as authorities release more information.
