Man wrecks stolen vehicle during police pursuit

Contributed Photo/Courtesy SPD:

Contributed Photo/Courtesy SPD: A 26-year-old man was taken into custody after allegedly stealing a vehicle and then crashing it during a police pursuit on Tuesday.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

SAFFORD – A 26-year-old man was taken into custody Tuesday after he wrecked a stolen vehicle while being pursued by Safford officers along U.S. Highway 191.

According to a press release from Safford Police Chief Glen Orr, the vehicle was reported stolen from outside a business off U.S. Highway 70 on Tuesday.

The vehicle was then located by Safford officers, who attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

The driver failed to yield, however, and instead traveled south on U.S. Highway 191 at a high-rate of speed.

Just south of the intersection with Highway 366 (Swift Trail) the driver of the stolen vehicle went off the side of U.S. Highway 191 and crashed. The driver was then taken into custody. No other people, vehicles, or property was damaged in the crash.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will investigate the crash. The identity of the 26-year-old alleged vehicle thief was not immediately released.