Phoenix, AZ (July 25, 2026) – A 21-year-old woman was arrested after a four-vehicle crash near 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix early Thursday morning, July 23, left one man with life-threatening injuries. The crash was reported around 3:15 a.m.
Officials responded after receiving multiple calls about a multi-vehicle collision. Witnesses reported that at least one person had been ejected from a vehicle after the crash; they said preliminary information and witness statements indicated that Briyanna Nicole Paz swerved into oncoming traffic, causing the four-vehicle collision.
Officers reported smelling alcohol on Paz and finding open alcohol containers inside her vehicle. After field sobriety tests, the police determined she was impaired. Phoenix Fire Department personnel treated multiple people at the scene. One man was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Paz was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County Jail. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts remain with those affected as they continue their recovery.
What Is Reviewed After a Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Suspected Impairment?
Multi-vehicle crashes may involve a review of vehicle movements, roadway conditions, and the actions of each driver. Investigators may examine damage patterns, witness statements, and available evidence to understand how the collision developed.
When impairment is suspected, additional factors such as driver behavior, vehicle condition, and observations made at the scene may be reviewed. These details can help provide context about the circumstances surrounding a serious crash and the injuries involved.