Afternoon traffic on the westbound Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway turned into an arrest scene Thursday when a wanted fugitive crashed near the 24th Street exit and was taken into federal custody. The red four-door car ended up facing the wrong direction between the right westbound lane and the off-ramp, briefly blocking traffic while law enforcement moved in. Authorities reported no injuries.
Details were scarce, but Mesa Police told Arizona's Family the department was assisting the FBI’s Safe Trails Task Force in locating a wanted suspect. Aerial video shared by the station showed skid marks streaking across the off-ramp and the red car stopped in the narrow gap between the lane and ramp.
Federal task force involvement
The FBI’s Safe Trails task forces pair federal agents with state and local officers to track fugitives and disrupt violent crime, according to the FBI. Those task forces operate in the Phoenix area and have previously partnered with Mesa and other Valley agencies on fugitive operations.
Scene and traffic
Arizona's Family reported roughly a dozen law enforcement vehicles crowding the scene, including marked Arizona Department of Public Safety SUVs and unmarked FBI trucks. The right lane and the off-ramp were temporarily shut down while officers worked, and both have since reopened, the station said.
A familiar stretch of freeway
The 24th Street exit has seen more than its share of trouble lately. ABC15 previously reported a June 15 pursuit that also ended in a crash near the same off-ramp and left an officer injured, underscoring the risks that follow high-speed chases on busy ramps.
Investigators had not released the suspect's identity or any charges as of Thursday evening. We will update this article if agencies publish more information.
