Tucson, AZ (December 4, 2025) – A police pursuit ended with serious injuries on Wednesday afternoon when a passenger exited a fleeing vehicle and was struck by the same car near the intersection of W St Marys Rd and N Cherokee Ave in Tucson.
The incident unfolded at approximately 2:08 p.m. on December 3. According to Tucson Police radio traffic, the vehicle was involved in an active pursuit when the passenger attempted to flee by jumping out. In a chaotic turn of events, the suspect behind the wheel ran over the passenger before continuing to flee eastbound, possibly toward Grande Ave.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the area to assist the injured individual. Crews provided on-site treatment, though the full extent of the passenger’s injuries has not been publicly confirmed. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the injured party.
The suspect’s vehicle was described as an older model Chevrolet Blazer with a wheelchair-accessible license plate. At the time of reporting, the vehicle had not been located. Multiple patrol units were called in to secure the scene and canvass the area, but no pursuit was active by the time backup arrived.
An investigation is underway to determine the full sequence of events, including why the pursuit began and whether the passenger was ejected or voluntarily exited the moving vehicle.
Our thoughts remain with the injured individual, and we hope for their full and swift recovery.
Vehicle Pursuits and Passenger Injuries in Arizona
The situation that occurred Wednesday near St Marys Rd and Cherokee Ave reveals how dangerous vehicle pursuits can become—especially for passengers who may not be in control of the vehicle’s actions. In this case, the pursuit ended not in a standard traffic stop, but with a passenger being run over by the very vehicle they exited, sustaining significant injuries.
Arizona law enforcement agencies follow strict guidelines during pursuits to minimize harm to bystanders, officers, and those inside the fleeing vehicle. However, these incidents can escalate unpredictably. Passengers are sometimes caught in the middle of high-speed chases, especially when they attempt to escape once they realize the vehicle is not stopping.
While the details remain under investigation, this event illustrates the heightened risks passengers face in fleeing vehicles—particularly when they are forced to exit in unsafe conditions. Getting out of a moving vehicle or jumping during a pursuit can lead to blunt force trauma, fractures, or worse, as seen in this case where the individual was struck by the car’s own door or wheels.
The location of the incident—near a residential and commercial corridor in west Tucson—adds another layer of concern. With narrow roads, intersecting driveways, and nearby pedestrian areas, these neighborhoods are not built to accommodate high-speed chases or reckless driving. This makes the risk to other community members all the more urgent.
For those injured in such unusual and high-impact events, access to immediate medical care and legal support is essential. Determining liability can be complex, especially when both driver behavior and law enforcement protocols come into play. Victims in these situations need clarity, resources, and support to recover physically and emotionally.
If you or someone you care about has been injured during a police-involved pursuit or roadway incident, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide timely, compassionate updates and connect victims with the tools they need to move forward. Contact Local Accident Reports today to learn your rights and next steps.
