PHOENIX — The driver accused of causing a crash last month that killed three people in Phoenix has been arrested, according to the city's police department.
Police said crews responded to the scene just after 11 p.m. on July 3 near Thunderbird Road and Interstate-17 to reports of a crash.
Officials said they found three vehicles involved in the crash and a white Chevy Camaro was on fire. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and 21-year-old Esteban Espinoza Lopez was pulled from the passenger side of the Camaro. He was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Phoenix police said the driver of the Camaro was able to get out of the car before the fire began and was detained on scene.
A red Chevrolet Traverse was also reportedly involved in the crash. Fire crews found the driver, 54-year-old Majid Al Juhaishi, inside the SUV. Juhaishi was unresponsive and sustained serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries, according to police.
A woman, identified as 41-year-old Tessa Jeffrey, was also found on the roadway near the crash. Police said Jeffrey was given medical aid, but died from her injuries on scene. During the initial investigation, officers learned she was a passenger in the Traverse and was ejected. She was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, police said.
A man and woman in a black Subaru were also involved in the deadly crash. Both were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and were treated and released, authorities said.
Detectives learned during their investigation that the Camaro was going westbound on Thunderbird Road when it ran a red light at the I-17 Southbound Access and collided with the Traverse. After the initial impact, the Traverse crashed into the Subaru, which was stopped for a red light at Thunderbird Road and the I-17 Access Road, facing east.
The driver was initially released pending the results of the toxicology reports.
Police said Thursday that Angel Lopez Garcia, 22, has been taken into custody for multiple charges related to the fatal crash. Speed and alcohol were allegedly factors in the collision, police added.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.