Three months after a wrong-way scare on Interstate 10 rattled drivers near downtown Phoenix, a suspect is now in custody.
A man was arrested on June 20 in Phoenix in connection with a March wrong-way crash on I-10 that briefly shut down a busy freeway ramp and left one driver with non-life-threatening injuries, local media reported.
As reported by Arizona’s Family, the man was taken into custody over the weekend in connection with the March collision. The station’s brief update did not identify the suspect or list any specific charges.
March crash and injuries
The collision happened in March on westbound Interstate 10 at the ramp to southbound State Route 202, according to ABC15. That report notes the wrong-way driver was not hurt, while the other driver suffered injuries described as not life threatening. Troopers were investigating possible impairment at the time.
The transition ramp was shut down for a short period while crews cleared the wreckage and troopers conducted their on-scene investigation, ABC15 reported.
Arrest follows months of investigation
The June arrest comes roughly three months after the March crash as investigators reviewed evidence and followed up on leads, local outlets said. Arizona’s Family reported the arrest but did not share further details about the suspect’s identity or whether prosecutors have formally filed charges.
Why wrong-way wrecks are a persistent danger
Wrong-way crashes are frequently linked to impairment and can turn deadly fast, which is one reason the Arizona Department of Transportation has been investing in thermal-camera detection on Valley freeways. ADOT’s I-17 pilot wrong-way detection system has been operating since 2018 and has helped alert troopers and traffic operators when wrong-way vehicles are detected. For background on the program, see ADOT.
Authorities have not released additional information about the Phoenix case. Anyone who believes they witnessed the March crash is urged to contact law enforcement. This story will be updated as more details are made public.
