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DPS: Wrong-way drivers responsible for 2 overnight crashes on Valley freeways

One of the drivers crashed head-on into a semi-truck on Loop 101, DPS says.
Credit: DPS
The driver of this car was traveling the wrong way on Loop 101 at Shea Boulevard when she crashed head-on into a semi. March 20, 2019.

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Public Safety had its hands full early Wednesday morning with two wrong-way crashes.

According to DPS, the first crash involved a black Ford Mustang which a trooper attempted to pull over for criminal speeding on northbound I-17 near Camelback Road. The driver did not stop, but troopers didn't pursue the vehicle.

DPS said a Phoenix Police Department helicopter tracked the suspect vehicle. The driver drove across city streets and attempted to make his way onto SR-51 the wrong way at Thomas Road.

The vehicle crashed and the driver along with two others in the vehicle fled the scene. They were eventually taken into custody.

DPS said 25-year-old Justin Lee Lopez was the driver and was booked into jail on several charges including aggravated DUI, felony flight, failure to obey law enforcement and criminal speed.

The two others who ran were released, DPS said.

The second crash happened on Loop 101 at Shea Boulevard. DPS said calls came in about a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes just after 1:30 a.m.

DPS said shortly after the calls the wrong-way vehicle crashed head-on with semi-truck.

According to DPS, the 24-year-old wrong-way driver was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The driver of the semi was not injured.

DPS said impairment may be a factor in the crash.

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