A man from Phoenix was apprehended for kidnapping after an overnight high-speed chase on Interstate 17 in northern Arizona.
The Camp Verde Marshal’s Office reported that at midnight Thursday, a deputy pulled over a motorist on I-17 near State Route 260.
The marshal’s office stated that the driver, 22-year-old John Sanchez, was driving from Phoenix with a woman in the passenger seat.
During the traffic check, a K-9 was deployed, and Sanchez accelerated away from the deputy. It was subsequently determined that the passenger was attempting to exit the vehicle and had called 911 to say that Sanchez would not allow her out.
Based on the passenger’s testimony, deputies continued to pursue the vehicle on suspicion of kidnapping. According to the marshal’s office, Sanchez’s vehicle reached speeds of more than 100 mph throughout the chase, and he was tossing stuff from it.
Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and air assistance were dispatched to assist. DPS employed spike strips on I-17 north of Munds Park to halt the car.
Sanchez allegedly fled from the road into a neighboring wooded area. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, DPS SWAT Team, and Verde Valley Regional SWAT Team all assisted in the search for Sanchez.
The suspect was apprehended just after 7 a.m. Authorities assisted the traveler in seeking appropriate assistance.
While investigating Sanchez’s vehicle, officers allegedly discovered one pound of psilocybin mushrooms and nearly a pound of marijuana. They also discovered around 117 grams of cocaine on the side of the freeway, where Sanchez was seen throwing stuff from his vehicle.
He was arrested in Yavapai County for kidnapping, endangerment, and multiple counts of drug possession.
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