PHOENIX, AZ – Authorities have arrested the driver they believe is responsible for a fatal multi-vehicle collision that occurred on I-17 NB near W Northern Ave on Sunday, according to AZFamily.
Troopers had pulled over a possible impaired driver who had stopped in the northbound lanes of I-17 around 1 a.m. This caused a backup on the interstate.
Two vehicles, a Hyundai Sonata driven by Francisco J. Ruiz Coronado and a Kia driven by a 17-year-old male, collided as authorities worked to move the car they had pulled over off the interstate. Nobody was hurt in that collision.
Both drivers and a passenger from the Kia exited their vehicles to assess the damage when a black Ford Mustang driven by Michael Gibson, 28, slammed into the Hyundai at high speeds. The collision caused the Hyundai to crash into the Kia, hitting all three people standing outside their vehicles. Two people occupied the Kia at the time of the wreck.
Rescue crews pronounced Ruiz Coronado dead at the scene and transported the Kia driver to an area hospital, where he died. The three passengers from the Kia had minor injuries.
Following the collision, Gibson and his front-seat passenger tried to flee the scene on foot. Troopers stopped Gibson as he was trying to climb the freeway median wall. They did not find the passenger.
The two people in the back seat of the Mustang stayed at the scene. Crews transported one person to an area hospital with serious injuries. The other person had minor injuries.
Troopers believed Gibson displayed signs of impairment. They are waiting for the results of a blood test.
Authorities charged Gibson with two counts of reckless manslaughter, one count of assault with intent to injure, and four counts of endangerment.
Have you been hurt in an automobile accident caused by another driver? If so, the Arizona car accident lawyers at Tobler Law have helped countless people like you secure the compensation and justice they deserve for their injuries. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll accidents can take. You can schedule a free consultation with us to discuss the details of your case by completing our contact form or calling 480-898-9700.