TEMPE, AZ — A man has been arrested after allegedly causing a car crash that killed two passengers in his vehicle.
The incident happened early Saturday morning near Rural and Broadway roads.
Police say officers had attempted to stop the Ford Mustang moments earlier near Rural and Terrace roads for street racing in excess of 100 miles per hour. The vehicle fled from officers and crashed moments later.
Both of the passengers died because of the crash, one at the scene and the other at a hospital. They have been identified as 31-year-old Maria Rangel and 32-year-old Jesse Ruiz.
Police believe the suspect, 32-year-old Derek Glasscock, was impaired and driving approximately 153 miles per hour when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed. It's unclear how far away officers were at the time of the crash, but they say they did not attempt to follow the Mustang after it fled.
Officers say the vehicle went airborne and struck a power pole and two palm trees before landing. One of the victims was ejected, struck a palm tree, and landed approximately 80 feet away. She later died from her injuries at a hospital. A male passenger died at the scene.
ABC15 spoke with Max Aguino, Rangel's brother, who says his sister and Ruiz were dating for over a year, and were close to moving into a house together.
“My sister was full of light,” said Aguino. “She was happy. She was a beautiful soul, and a beautiful person.”
Aguino is hoping and working to learn more details.
“I need to know, but it’s not going to help,” said Aguino.
This loss just five years after Max lost his mom to cancer. Now the family is raising funds to make sure Rangel can be buried with her.
The family has created an online fundraiser to help with funeral costs.
Glasscock suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital and released into police custody. He faces two counts of manslaughter. Police are still waiting for a blood draw to return from testing for possible charges related to DUI.
