Woman Dies After Five-Vehicle Crash in Phoenix; Driver Arrested

PHOENIX — A 76-year-old woman died following a five-vehicle collision near North 19th Avenue and West Evans Drive on October 29. An 18-year-old driver was arrested on an aggravated assault allegation after police said he kicked an officer while receiving hospital treatment.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded to the collision at approximately 9:10 p.m. Several vehicles had been stopped behind a city bus while passengers were getting off.

Preliminary findings indicate a gray Volvo SUV driven by White, 18, struck the rear of a white Dodge Ram pickup at a high rate of speed, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles, police said.

Woman’s Vehicle Struck a Wall

Detectives with the Vehicular Crimes Unit determined that the initial impact pushed the pickup into other vehicles stopped behind the bus.

During the crash, a vehicle driven by Frances Horner, 76, left the roadway, crossed a sidewalk and struck a small brick wall, according to police.

Phoenix Fire personnel transported Horner to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Three other drivers, men ages 33, 45 and 26, were uninjured and remained at the scene, police said.

Police Report Signs of Impairment

Police said White attempted to run from the scene after the collision but was detained by witnesses. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A Drug Recognition Expert assigned to the Vehicular Crimes Unit evaluated White at the hospital and observed signs of impairment, according to the department. The release did not identify a substance or provide toxicology results.

While receiving treatment, White allegedly kicked an officer in the face. Police said officers arrested him for aggravated assault. He was listed under booking number G290966.

Additional charges are pending as detectives continue investigating the collision. The allegations against White have not been proven in court.

Editor’s note: The police release spells White’s first name “Jeffrey” in the suspect listing and “Jeffery” in the narrative.

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