What began as a routine traffic stop on U.S. 60 quickly escalated into a dangerous high-speed chase across the East Valley, ending with a crash in Mesa and multiple felony charges for a Phoenix man.
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers say the driver reached speeds well beyond 100 mph, putting other motorists at risk before the pursuit came to a violent stop.
Chase
According to DPS, troopers first spotted a vehicle traveling about 110 mph on U.S. 60 in Tempe on Monday. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver allegedly refused to pull over and accelerated instead.
Troopers say the vehicle reached a top speed of 121 mph while weaving through traffic. Officers reported several near-collisions as the car cut through lanes at high speed before the pursuit crossed into Mesa.
The chase ended when the vehicle crashed, bringing the sprint down U.S. 60 to a halt.
Driver
Authorities identified the driver as 54-year-old Edward Zamora of Phoenix. After the crash, troopers reportedly noticed signs of impairment.
According to police, an open container was found inside the vehicle, and officers said Zamora smelled of alcohol. He was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.
Charges
Zamora was booked into jail on multiple alleged offenses. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the charges include unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle, endangerment, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and criminal speeding.
A Maricopa County judge later set Zamora’s bond at $10,000. As of the latest update, formal arraignment dates had not yet been publicly posted.
Law
Arizona law treats fleeing from police as more than a traffic violation. Under A.R.S. § 28-622.01, unlawfully fleeing from a properly marked law enforcement vehicle is a felony offense.
DUI charges fall under A.R.S. § 28-1381, which allows prosecution if a driver is impaired to the slightest degree or has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Endangerment, another charge Zamora faces, is defined under A.R.S. § 13-1201 and applies when someone recklessly creates a substantial risk of serious injury or death.
Pattern
The incident adds to a string of high-speed pursuits across Valley freeways. Earlier this month, troopers reported another case involving speeds above 125 mph that spanned multiple East Valley cities, raising concerns about public safety during police chases.
Lawmakers at the Arizona Capitol have taken notice. During the most recent legislative session, proposals advanced that would increase penalties for especially dangerous unlawful flight cases, potentially elevating some offenses to higher felony levels.
Status
Zamora remains in custody as his case proceeds through Maricopa County court. Prosecutors are expected to review evidence from the pursuit, crash, and arrest as the case moves forward.
For now, the 121 mph dash serves as another reminder of the risks high-speed chases pose not only to drivers involved, but to everyone sharing the freeway.
FAQs
How fast was the driver going on U.S. 60?
Troopers say the vehicle reached up to 121 mph.
Where did the chase end?
The pursuit ended with a crash in Mesa.
Who was arrested in the incident?
Police arrested 54-year-old Edward Zamora of Phoenix.
What charges does Zamora face?
Charges include unlawful flight, DUI, and reckless driving.
What bond was set in the case?
A judge set bond at $10,000.
