Hit and Run driver facing numerous charges after causing four separate collisions involving a total of six victim vehicles

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating four separate hit and run collisions involving a total of six victim vehicles caused by the same driver which began at about 2:50 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2009. DPS investigators believe the suspect driver, Kristen Rowley, 29, of Gilbert Ariz., was driving a Gray Infinity G-35 coupe southbound on SR 51 approaching the I-10 interchange when she struck the first vehicle. Rowley then continued eastbound on I-10 where she struck a second vehicle near Washington before exiting and proceeding westbound on I-10. One of our DPS officers spotted her westbound on I-10 where she struck a third vehicle. At 19th avenue and I-10, she finally came to a stop after hitting a Nissan pick-up, the fourth vehicle, causing a chain reaction collision between the truck and two other vehicles. After the fourth and final collision, Rowley tried to start her car again in an attempt to leave. DPS Officers had to remove the keys from the vehicle in order to prevent her from attempting to drive off yet again. A total of six victim vehicles had to be towed and two victims have been transported for minor injuries.

DPS was not in pursuit. However, officers were in the area attempting to locate the suspect vehicle which caused the collisions after numerous 9-1-1 calls from citizens and victims. Rowley was transported to Saint Joseph's Hospital with minor injuries and charges will be filed "long form" through the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) upon completion of the collision and criminal investigation. DPS will be recommeding the following charges, two counts of hit and run involving injury and two counts of hit and run without injury, as well as five counts of aggravated assault. DPS officers did locate numerous prescription pain medications with Rowely and believe she was impaired at the time.

The first call came into DPS at 2:51 p.m. and everything was cleared by 5:00 p.m. The only road restrictions were westbound I-10 at 19th Ave with the HOV, #1 and #2 Lanes closed. This caused a large traffic backup as well as a significant delay for rush hour commuters traveling westbound from central Phoenix.

*Photo enforcement photos and video available at the link below. The first photo enforcement site located westbound I-10 at 16th street shows Rowley traveling at 89 miles per hour in HOV lane. The second site located westbound I-10 at 15th avenue shows Rowley's vehicle traveling at 90 miles per hour in the #1 lane. The corresponding video on the second site also show's Rowley's vehicle clip the rear of the third victim in the maroon sedan as the sedan is changing lanes.

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