Fatal Crash on I-10 Near Warner Road in Phoenix Following Police Incident

A chaotic series of events on Interstate 10 near Warner Road in Phoenix resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries on Monday evening, November 11, 2024. The incident began shortly before 8:30 p.m. when Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers responded to reports of a pedestrian walking in the westbound lanes. As troopers attempted to detain the individual, the situation escalated when the subject jumped the median into eastbound traffic, where they were struck by a vehicle. During the subsequent attempt to take the suspect into custody, a physical altercation occurred between the trooper and the pedestrian. In the midst of this incident, a separate collision occurred between two vehicles in the eastbound lanes, resulting in the death of a passenger in one of the vehicles. Both drivers involved in the secondary crash sustained injuries. The eastbound lanes of I-10 were completely closed during the investigation and emergency response.

Location and Infrastructure

The incident occurred on a crucial section of Interstate 10 near Warner Road in Phoenix, one of the city's major east-west arterial routes. This segment of I-10 typically experiences heavy traffic volumes, particularly during evening hours, as it serves as a primary commuter corridor connecting Phoenix's East Valley communities to the downtown area. The location features a concrete median barrier separating eastbound and westbound traffic, with multiple lanes in each direction. The Warner Road interchange provides access to several commercial and residential areas, including Ahwatukee Foothills and South Mountain Village. The area is well-lit and monitored by ADOT traffic cameras, though pedestrian access is strictly prohibited due to the high-speed nature of the interstate.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-646), pedestrians are prohibited from entering or crossing controlled-access highways such as Interstate 10. In multi-vehicle accidents involving police activity, liability determination can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Arizona follows a comparative negligence system (A.R.S. § 12-2505), where damages may be apportioned based on each party's degree of fault. Victims and their families typically have two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury or wrongful death claims under Arizona's statute of limitations (A.R.S. § 12-542). Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of fatality, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Multiple insurance policies may come into play, including personal auto insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and potentially government liability policies. A Phoenix car collision lawyer will handle all aspects of the personal injury claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Phoenix Police Department: (602) 262-6151
• Arizona Department of Public Safety: (602) 223-2000
• Banner Desert Medical Center: (480) 412-3000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Arizona Department of Transportation Safety Portal
• Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Transportation Safety Program
• Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety

Support Services:

• Arizona Crime Victim Rights Law Group
• MADD Arizona Chapter
• Arizona Brain Injury Alliance

Legal References:

• Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 (Transportation)
• Arizona Department of Transportation Rules and Regulations
• Maricopa County Superior Court Victim Services Division