Eastbound Loop 202 reopens in Mesa after police situation

DPS trooper hurt in crash on Loop-202 on Jan. 20

A Department of Public Safety trooper was injured after a pursuit ended in a crash on Loop-202 near Mesa on Jan. 20.

MESA, Ariz. - The Arizona Department of Transportation says the eastbound Loop 202 Red Mountain freeway has reopened at Country Club Drive following a law enforcement incident.

According to information released by Mesa Police officials, the incident began when officers with the Apache Junction Police Department tried to stop a car that was allegedly driving with fictitious plates near Meridian Road and Apache Trail. The car failed to stop, and fled west. The suspect then rammed a DPS trooper's vehicle at Dobson and Loop 202 before getting back on Loop 202 east.

The suspect, according to Mesa Police officials, then crashed a second time with a DPS trooper's vehicle on the Loop 202 near Country Club Drive. From there, the suspect was taken into custody, and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A DPS trooper also suffered minor injuries during the incident.

According to Mesa Police investigators, the suspect is an investigative lead in an armed robbery investigation. An investigation is ongoing.