Phoenix, Arizona – Two drivers were killed late Thursday night in a violent crash in west Phoenix after a suspected impaired motorist allegedly fled a traffic stop and drove into oncoming traffic, authorities said. Police believe impairment played a central role in the sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.
The incident unfolded across several miles of Lower Buckeye Road and ended with the deaths of both drivers involved, according to investigators with the Phoenix Police Department.
Incident Overview
The crash involved two vehicles and resulted in the deaths of Ruben Almanza, 40, and Melvina Jones, 35. Police say Almanza was suspected of driving while impaired and had fled from officers moments before the collision.
Jones, who was driving in the opposite direction, had no known involvement in the earlier traffic stop and was described by police as an uninvolved motorist.
Timeline of Events
According to authorities, the chain of events began just before 11:35 p.m. Thursday night near 59th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road.
A Phoenix police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Ruben Almanza. During the interaction, the officer observed signs of possible impairment and spoke with the driver for several minutes.
Police say Almanza then abruptly fled the scene, accelerating westbound on Lower Buckeye Road.
Minutes later, officers received a call reporting a serious crash near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, several miles west of the initial stop. Patrol units were dispatched immediately.
Details From Police
When officers arrived at the crash scene, they found two heavily damaged vehicles. One was driven by Almanza, and the other by Melvina Jones, who had been traveling eastbound.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the collision. Almanza was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
In a media advisory, Sgt. Rob Scherer explained the initial findings of the investigation.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle driven by Almanza was westbound on Lower Buckeye Road when it crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with the vehicle driven by Jones, which was eastbound.”
Investigators believe Almanza’s vehicle crossed the center line, directly causing the head-on collision.
Key Facts at a Glance
• Suspected impaired driver: Ruben Almanza, 40
• Victim: Melvina Jones, 35
• Time of traffic stop: 11:35 p.m.
• Initial location: 59th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road
• Crash location: 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road
• Outcome: Two fatalities
• Status: Investigation ongoing
Police have not yet released toxicology results, which are standard in fatal collision investigations.
Witness and Community Impact
While no civilian witnesses have been publicly identified, police say the crash occurred on a busy west Phoenix corridor often used by late-night commuters and commercial traffic.
Lower Buckeye Road has been the site of multiple serious crashes over the years, raising ongoing concerns about speeding, impaired driving, and late-night enforcement challenges.
According to coverage, investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, vehicle data, and officer body-worn camera recordings as part of the case review.
Impaired Driving and Public Safety
Phoenix police continue to stress that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Arizona. Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and prescription medications can all significantly reduce reaction time and judgment.
Authorities remind drivers that fleeing a traffic stop dramatically increases risk, not only to the suspect but to innocent road users.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone who suspects impaired driving to call 911 immediately and avoid engaging with reckless drivers.
Conclusion
What began as a routine traffic stop late Thursday night ended in a tragic crash that claimed two lives and devastated multiple families. Investigators say impairment and reckless decision-making appear to have played a major role, underscoring the dangers posed by fleeing from police and driving under the influence.
The Phoenix Police Department says the investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as evidence is reviewed.
Call to Action
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