PEORIA, Ariz. — Authorities say a suspected impaired driver may be to blame for a crash that injured a DPS trooper Tuesday night.
Officials said the crash happened just before 9 p.m. on Loop 101 near Olive Avenue.
The trooper was on a traffic stop when a suspected DUI driver struck the back left portion of the trooper's vehicle, according to DPS.
Officials said the suspect vehicle was the subject of an ATL (Attempt to Locate) before the collision.
The trooper's vehicle was pushed into the guard rail and into the back of the vehicle in which he had stopped. The suspected DUI driver's vehicle came to rest blocking the right traffic lane, officials said.
DPS said the suspect, James Steele, 64, of California suffered minor injuries in the crash.
The trooper suffered minor injuries and the people inside the vehicle he pulled over were not hurt, officials said.
Steele was booked on four counts of endangerment and one count of aggravated assault, according to DPS.
Driving Safety Tips:
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
Don’t speed or drive aggressively
Never drive while under the influence of substances
Avoid distractions while driving
Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
Stay extra aware in work zones
Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.
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