MESA, AZ — The Mesa Police Department followed a stolen vehicle suspect through the Valley Monday before he was taken into custody in the Scottsdale area.
The incident began around 3 p.m. when officers attempted to stop a gold SUV near Broadway and Dobson roads, but the driver refused and sped off.
According to Mesa police, the vehicle then drove through parts of Tempe and Scottsdale. Officers followed on the ground until their air support had a visual on the vehicle.
Shortly after 4 p.m., after being seen driving recklessly, a man fled the vehicle into a private business near Pima and Indian Bend roads.
Video in the player above shows portions of the incident.
After a short period of time, authorities were seen taking him into custody.
Officials say they do not believe there were any injuries in the incident.
The 32-year-old suspect is accused of “driving several times at high rates of speed, cutting other vehicles off and going into (oncoming) traffic nearly colliding with vehicles.”
According to police documents, the vehicle was reported stolen one day before the pursuit took place.
Police say the suspect denied having any knowledge the vehicle was stolen, saying he bought the vehicle from someone else.
Documents say officers located “loose blue pills” and what appeared to be drug paraphernalia related to fentanyl use in the vehicle.
He reportedly told police he was aware that officers were following him, but he did not stop because “he had warrants out for his arrest” through Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
He was booked into jail on numerous charges including unlawful flight from law enforcement, vehicle theft, reckless driving, endangerment, and possession of drugs.
