The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports that law enforcement pursuits can often end badly. On average at least one person per day is killed in pursuit-related crashes. The problem has gotten so serious that law enforcement agencies across the country are reconsidering whether or not high-speed chases of suspects is worth the potential risk of innocent lives.
KTAR in Phoenix recently reported that a man was arrested after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase within the greater Phoenix area. Law enforcement officials estimate that speeds during the chase reached up to 100 miles per hour. Fortunately, this time there were no injuries or additional crashes reported during the high-speed pursuit.
Authorities said in a statement to reporters at the ABC affiliate that they have placed Jesse Riggs, 34, of Flagstaff under arrest after he led them on a high-speed pursuit along Interstate 17.
On March 27th, 911 dispatchers began receiving calls of a vehicle driving erratically, speeding, tailgating and making obscene gestures near Cordes Junction at approximately 2:00 p.m. An Arizona State Trooper spotted the vehicle a short time later near Black Canyon City and clocked the vehicle traveling approximately 100 miles per hour. The state trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop. Troopers also reported having spotted the driver taking a drink from what appeared to be an open container of alcohol during the pursuit.
Law enforcement officers were finally able to slow and later stop the speeding vehicle by using a spike strip. The driver of the maroon van finally slowed and exited the freeway, stopping in a gas station and convenience store parking lot at the Thunderbird Road exit. Troopers placed him under arrest.
Trooper Kameron Lee with the Arizona Department of Public Safety said in a statement to KTAR that Riggs is currently facing the charges of aggravated DUI, unlawful flight, aggravated assault, and criminal damage.
