On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at approximately 4:25 p.m., an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Trooper attempted to stop a passenger vehicle for criminal speed westbound Interstate 10 near 40th Street in Phoenix.
- For Immediate Release -
Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) state troopers seized more than 194 pounds of drugs bound for the Phoenix area following two traffic stops on Interstate 8 last week.
The first traffic stop occurred at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28th, on eastbound Interstate 8 near milepost 51. An Arizona State Trooper stopped the driver of a Chevrolet Tahoe for non-moving violations, and during the stop he observed multiple indicators of criminal activity. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper discovered approximately 72.7 pounds of fentanyl pills and 6.3 pounds of cocaine concealed in trash bags.
The driver and passenger, San Luis residents Javier Luna-Vazquez, 53, and Luis Lopez Chavez, 55, face charges including possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Investigators believe the drugs were being transported from Yuma to Phoenix.
The next morning, on Thursday, June 29th, a trooper stopped the driver of a Honda Accord for non-moving violations on eastbound Interstate 8 near milepost 49. During the stop, the trooper observed indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 112.9 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.95 pounds of cocaine hidden throughout the car.
The driver, San Luis resident Martha Betancourth Angulo, 34, faces charges of possession and transportation of a dangerous drug for sale, possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Investigators believe the drugs were being transported from San Luis Rio Colorado, MX, to the Phoenix area.
**Update: Monday, July 17, 2023 - Suspect Arrested in Connection with Fatal Hit-and-Run**
At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, a male suspect turned himself in to law enforcement at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office headquarters in Phoenix in connection with the July 16th fatal hit-and-run collision on U.S. 60 near Meridian Road.
Troopers responded and arrested Robert C. Moyer II, 45, of Peoria, on one charge of leaving the scene of a fatal collision.
- For Immediate Release -
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, shortly after 5 a.m., troopers with the AZDPS Aviation Bureau assisted Highway Patrol District 6 troopers in tracking and stopping a motorcyclist who was repeatedly observed traveling at extremely high speeds on Interstate 10 in the Casa Grande area. The motorcyclist’s persistent, reckless driving behavior posed a serious threat not only to his own safety, but to other motorists and first responders.
The Ranger 1 helicopter crew began following the motorcyclist as he traveled eastbound on Florence Boulevard in Casa Grande. The suspect was observed speeding and illegally passing vehicles on the shoulder before entering Interstate 10 westbound at milepost 194.
Once on the interstate, Ranger 1 crew members observed the suspect traveling at speeds in excess of 150 mph and relayed his speed and location to troopers on the ground. Troopers positioned ahead of the motorcyclist on Interstate 10 were able to locate and initiate a traffic stop on the suspect near milepost 190. The suspect, 34-year-old Kevin Keeton, of Casa Grande, came to a stop and was detained by troopers. Keeton was booked into the Pinal County Jail on a charge of criminal speed, and the motorcycle was impounded for 20 days for reckless driving.
Great work to our troopers, Ranger 1 crew, and dispatchers in getting this reckless driver off the road.
- For Immediate Release -
On Thursday, May 25, 2023, at approximately 7:40 p.m., a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Task Force (CVETF) trooper initiated a stop on the driver of a tractor-trailer on northbound Interstate 19 near kilometer 42, in Sahuarita.
While conducting a routine commercial vehicle inspection, the trooper noted multiple indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent vehicle search revealed 14 people locked inside the unrefrigerated trailer with a single bottle of water. The occupants were removed from the trailer and received medical attention before being turned over to United States Border Patrol personnel.
Temperatures in enclosed trailers can be up to 30 degrees hotter than the outdoor temperature. The high in Sahuarita on May 25th was approximately 95 degrees, putting the trailer’s occupants at serious risk of heat-related illness.
While searching the cab of the vehicle, the trooper also discovered approximately 14.25 pounds of fentanyl powder and 12.55 pounds of cocaine.
The truck driver, 30-year-old Eduardo A. Hernandez, from Nogales, AZ, was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz* County Jail. He faces charges including possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale, possession and transportation of a dangerous drug for sale, and 14 counts of endangerment.
The CVETF is comprised of AZDPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau troopers and Arizona Department of Transportation Enforcement and Compliance Division officers. The mission of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Task Force is to ensure safe, secure, and efficient commercial transport across Arizona.
*Correction: A previous version of this news release indicated the suspect was booked into Pima County Jail, however, the suspect was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.
On Sunday, May 7, 2023, AZDPS motor troopers proudly escorted Andrea Rebel to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport as she departed for the East Coast to participate in the 2023 Police Unity Tour (Chapter 1 – Northern NJ). This annual tour aims to bring public awareness to peace officers who have died in the line of duty and honor their sacrifice.