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Video: Tempe driver rams police SUVs before taking off

By
Updated  October 24, 2024 12:58pm MST
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 10 Phoenix

Tempe driver rams police SUVs before taking off

The Brief

    • A suspect who was approached by Tempe Police officers started ramming their cars.
    • Their cars were parked in front and behind his car near Scottsdale Road and Playa Del Norte Drive.
    • The suspect was able to get away, but he was caught the next day.

TEMPE, Ariz. - A driver was combative with Tempe Police on Tuesday afternoon after they found him slumped over the wheel of an SUV.

A bystander captured video on Oct. 22 in the area of Scottsdale Road and Playa Del Norte Drive. Tempe Police say officers were able to roll down the window and open the door.

The man then started ramming the two patrol SUVs in front and back of him. Officers could be seen pulling on the man's left arm, trying to get him to stop, but he kept fighting.

The officers deployed a stun gun, but that still didn't stop the man. He drove off, pulling the stun gun's wires down the road before they snapped off.

At one point, the suspect struck the three officers and another vehicle while fleeing the scene. The officers suffered minor injuries.

A pursuit ensued, but the suspect got away after being last seen near State Route 143 and University Drive.

Kevin Johnson

According to court documents, investigators were able to identify 44-year-old Kevin Johnson as the suspect. On Oct. 23, Johnson was found in the parking lot of a Dunkin' in Avondale and arrested.

"Post Miranda, Kevin admitted to police about his involvement in this incident," court documents read. "Kevin apologized for his actions and stated that he was not intentionally trying to hurt the officers but was trying to flee because he was scared."

Johnson was booked into jail and is accused of aggravated assault and unlawful flight.

The Source

  • The Tempe Police Department