Phoenix, AZ (April 25, 2026) – A late-night crash at the interchange of SR 143 and Loop 202 followed a brief pursuit in east Phoenix on Friday, April 24. The incident began around 11:30 p.m. near 48th St and Broadway Rd after a driver allegedly ran a red light.
Emergency units responded after the vehicle fled onto SR 143 and continued onto Loop 202 before crashing at the interchange. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Braxton Abraham McKown, sustained minor injuries in the crash.
A passenger in the vehicle was also detained at the scene. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the car, which authorities believe was stolen.
McKown was taken into custody and later booked into jail on multiple charges, including unlawful flight and theft of a vehicle. He also faces a misdemeanor DUI charge, and a bond was set at $7,500.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they are provided.
Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
How Police Pursuits Can Lead to Crashes on Urban Freeways
Police pursuits often move quickly from city streets onto major highways, where speeds increase, and risks grow. When a driver attempts to evade a traffic stop, sudden lane changes and high speeds can create dangerous conditions for everyone on the road.
Interchanges are particularly risky during pursuits because they involve merging traffic, curves, and multiple route options. Drivers may lose control while navigating these areas at high speed, leading to crashes.
These situations can also involve additional concerns, such as unsafe driving behavior or illegal items inside the vehicle. The combination of speed, traffic flow, and decision-making under pressure often contributes to how these incidents unfold.
