A driver is under investigation for suspected impaired driving after Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers found him asleep behind the wheel on a major interstate in east Phoenix, with his vehicle stopped in live traffic lanes.
Authorities say the incident occurred on Interstate 10 and led to a temporary traffic shutdown while officers secured the scene and took the driver into custody.
Incident
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), troopers received multiple calls on May 25 reporting a vehicle stopped in the middle of I-10 between 32nd and 40th Streets in east Phoenix.
When officers arrived, they found the driver asleep inside the vehicle, which was still in drive and positioned in active traffic lanes.
Troopers stopped approaching traffic, boxed in the vehicle for safety, and were able to wake the driver before removing him from the car and taking him into custody.
Investigation
DPS officials reported that officers observed signs consistent with alcohol impairment during the initial contact. These included bloodshot and watery eyes and the odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.
Investigators also noted the presence of an open container in the center console and additional alcohol in the passenger-side floorboard. Photos released by DPS showed an empty beer can and vodka mini bottles inside the vehicle.
The driver agreed to undergo field sobriety tests. According to DPS, the results indicated impairment.
Licensing
A records check conducted by troopers showed the driver’s license was already suspended due to a prior DUI-related offense earlier in the year.
Officials did not release the identity of the driver, and no additional charges beyond the current arrest have been announced at this stage.
Response
Law enforcement officers closed and redirected traffic in the area while securing the vehicle to prevent a potential collision. The situation was resolved without reported crashes or injuries.
Incidents involving stopped vehicles in freeway lanes are treated as high-risk due to the potential for secondary collisions, particularly on high-speed corridors such as Interstate 10.
Safety
Authorities frequently warn that impaired driving combined with freeway stops creates significant danger for both drivers and emergency responders. Even brief stoppages in live lanes can increase the risk of multi-vehicle crashes.
In this case, troopers were able to reach the vehicle quickly and prevent additional harm by blocking traffic before removing the driver from the roadway.
The Phoenix freeway incident ended without injuries but resulted in the arrest of a driver suspected of impairment and already under a suspended license status due to a previous DUI.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and further legal action will depend on court proceedings and toxicology results if required.
FAQs
Where did the incident happen?
On Interstate 10 between 32nd and 40th Streets in Phoenix.
Was anyone injured?
No injuries were reported.
What was the driver doing when found?
He was asleep in a vehicle stopped in traffic.
Was alcohol involved?
Troopers reported signs of alcohol and open containers.
Was the driver previously charged?
His license was already suspended due to a prior DUI.
