PHOENIX – On Thursday, September 17, 2026, at approximately 8:29 a.m., the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) responded to a report of a vehicle conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 17 southbound near the area of Dove Valley Road (milepost 221–223) in Phoenix. A caller reported that he had pulled over a silver Tesla sedan, occupied by an adult male driver and adult female passenger, using a silver/gray older-model Chevrolet pickup truck equipped with red and blue emergency-style lights mounted on the dashboard (not in the vehicle’s visors).

The caller remained on scene and stayed in contact with AZDPS while awaiting troopers’ arrival. Troopers responded and made contact with all parties. Upon investigation, troopers determined the caller had no law enforcement authority and was not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.

The individual was taken into custody at the scene and booked on charges of impersonating a police officer.

AZDPS is releasing this information because of concern that this individual, or someone using a similarly equipped vehicle, may have stopped other motorists. Anyone who believes they have been pulled over by this vehicle or driver is asked to contact 1-877-4AZ-TIPS or submit a tip at azactic.gov/report.

Vehicle Description:

• Older model Chevrolet pickup truck (2500-series style)
• Gray/silver in color
• Red and blue lights mounted above/behind the dash, visible through the windshield
• Driver described as wearing a red polo shirt, dark jeans, and a ball cap

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BEING STOPPED BY SOMEONE YOU DO NOT BELIEVE IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

If you are being signaled to pull over and have concerns about whether the vehicle or person stopping you is a legitimate law enforcement officer, Arizona law still requires you to acknowledge the stop and pull over in a safe manner. You do not need to stop immediately in an isolated or poorly lit location — you may:

• Turn on your hazard lights to signal that you’ve seen them and intend to comply
• Reduce your speed and drive to the nearest well-lit, populated area — a police station, fire station, gas station, or open business — before coming to a complete stop
• Call 911 while doing so, provide your location, and ask the dispatcher to confirm whether a legitimate unit is stopping you
• Keep your doors locked and only roll your window down partially until you’ve confirmed the person’s identity (a marked vehicle, uniform, and visible badge/credentials)

This is not a basis to ignore a stop or continue driving away from a genuine law enforcement vehicle — doing so is a separate offense and puts you and others at risk. The steps above are about how you stop, not whether you stop.

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 1:24 a.m., Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Operational Communications received reports of a deceased person in the roadway at US 89 and Campbell Avenue (milepost 424) in Timberline, north of Flagstaff.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on the scene first and located a deceased adult male lying in the southbound lanes of the highway.

The individual, later identified as 43-year-old Shane Ray Benally, of Flagstaff, had sustained significant traumatic injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

The AZDPS Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating this incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is asked to call the Arizona Tip Line at 877-4AZ-TIPS or submit a tip at azdps.gov/tips. Please reference incident I26056990.

ELOY, Ariz. – On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Canine District trooper stopped the driver of a Nissan Rogue on Interstate 10 in Eloy for a civil traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper observed indicators of criminal activity. A vehicle search was conducted, and the trooper discovered approximately 36.5 pounds of fentanyl powder concealed in the floor of the SUV.

The suspect driver was arrested and booked into the Pinal County Jail on charges including possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale.

Canine District troopers were assisted by the Pinal Narcotics Squad and Highway Patrol District 6.

The commitment and skill displayed by Canine District troopers and supporting units remain essential in intercepting dangerous drugs and safeguarding communities across Arizona.

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Vehicular Crimes Unit (VCU) detectives have made an arrest following a nearly two-year investigation into a deadly chain-reaction crash on State Route 202.

On Nov. 3, 2024, at approximately 2:57 a.m., AZDPS troopers responded to a collision on westbound SR 202 near milepost 8. Investigators determined a 2019 Dodge Journey struck a 2015 Honda Pilot from behind at approximately 96 mph, forcing the Honda into the median before it came to rest blocking the roadway.

Approximately 30 seconds later, a 2017 Audi Q7 struck the disabled Honda. About five minutes later, a third collision occurred when a 2018 Ford Focus struck the Audi.

The series of collisions resulted in one fatality, and two individuals suffered serious injuries.

Throughout the subsequent investigation, VCU detectives reviewed surveillance footage, physical evidence, vehicle data, witness statements, and additional evidence.

Detectives ultimately identified Deone Xavier Holland, 37, as the driver of the Dodge Journey and determined he left the collision scene and failed to call for emergency assistance.

On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at approximately 9 a.m., Holland was arrested on a grand jury warrant. He faces the following charges:

• Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Collision (1 count)
• Endangerment (1 count)

This arrest marks the conclusion of an extensive investigation by VCU detectives.

The investigation reflects the Department’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families.

Holland is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.