What started as a routine traffic stop on U.S. 60 turned into a high-speed freeway sprint through the East Valley on Monday, with troopers saying a Phoenix man pushed his car to 121 mph before crashing out in Mesa.
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers say 54-year-old Edward Zamora was first spotted in Tempe at roughly 110 mph on U.S. 60. When they tried to pull him over, they report he hit a top speed of 121 mph, weaving through traffic and nearly slamming into other vehicles before crashing in Mesa. Troopers say they found an open container in the car and noted the driver smelled of alcohol. A judge later set his bond at $10,000.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Zamora was booked on alleged counts that include unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle, endangerment, driving under the influence, reckless driving and criminal speeding. The outlet reports that an open container was recovered at the scene and that Maricopa County court officials set bond at $10,000.
How the Law Treats Fleeing and Impairment
Under Arizona law, drivers who willfully take off from a marked patrol car are not just looking at a nasty ticket. Unlawful flight from a pursuing law-enforcement vehicle is treated as a felony when the officer’s vehicle is properly marked, under A.R.S. § 28-622.01, as laid out in the Arizona Revised Statutes…