Three law enforcement agencies in southeastern Arizona are enhancing their collaborative efforts to reduce dangerous driving behavior and collision-causing violations on several area highways.

On March 10, 2025, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) began working with the Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office and the Graham County Sheriff’s Office to provide supplemental patrols on U.S. 191, U.S. 70, and other nearby highways. The increased patrols follow a rise in complaints about aggressive driving and collisions in these areas.

“We want to see a significant reduction in collisions along the U.S. 191 and U.S. 70 corridor in Graham and Greenlee counties,” said AZDPS Captain Dean Chase, Commander of Arizona Highway Patrol District Nine. “Our troopers will strictly enforce traffic laws. If a state trooper stops you for dangerous or reckless driving, expect maximum enforcement of the law.”

Greenlee County Sheriff Eric Ellison underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating: “The number of collisions—particularly fatal and serious-injury crashes—has deeply affected our communities.”

Graham County Sheriff P.J. Allred said he looks forward to the enhanced patrol efforts. “The Graham County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Graham County welcome the extra patrol on our highways,” Sheriff Allred said. “Please travel safe on all our roads so we can all enjoy long, healthy lives.”

Law enforcement officials urge motorists to remember these tips for safe commuting:

• Plan Ahead: Leave early enough to drive safely and arrive at your destination on time. Use az511.gov or a traffic app to check traffic and road conditions before you drive.
• Pass with Caution: Only pass other vehicles when it is both safe and legal to do so.
• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep ample space between your vehicle and those ahead of you to provide enough reaction time for hazards, stalled vehicles, traffic changes, etc.
• Stay Alert and Focused: Don’t drive if you’re impaired, fatigued or distracted.
• Buckle Up: Always wear your seat belt and ensure everyone in your vehicle does the same.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is excited to announce the launch of dedicated social media accounts for the Highway Patrol Division on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. These new platforms, in addition to the department’s existing accounts, will serve as vital tools to provide real-time traffic updates, safety information, and insight into the division’s mission of protecting Arizona.

The Highway Patrol Division focuses on the enforcement of impaired drivers, restraint usage, collision-causing hazardous violations, commercial vehicles, criminal interdiction, and actively managing traffic incidents. By expanding its digital presence, the division aims to enhance communication with the public, increase awareness of highway safety initiatives, and foster engagement with communities statewide.

"Our state troopers are committed to our mission of protecting life and property and work hard to serve the people of Arizona,” said Lieutenant Colonel Daven Byrd of the Highway Patrol Division. “These new social media channels will allow us to inform and connect with the public in a more timely and meaningful way. From critical traffic alerts, to highlighting our traffic and criminal enforcement, we are excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at our operations and service to our communities.”

Followers can expect updates on road closures, major collision incidents, targeted enforcement efforts, and trooper spotlights. Additionally, the accounts will be used to promote statewide safety campaigns and share important public service announcements.

Arizonans are encouraged to follow and engage with the Highway Patrol Division on:

• X (formerly Twitter): @AZDPSHwyPatrol
• Instagram: @azdps_highwaypatrol
• Facebook: AZDPSHighwayPatrol

For more information on the AZDPS and its divisions, please visit www.azdps.gov.

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m., a fatal collision involving multiple vehicles occurred on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams, AZ. A winter storm was in the area at the time of the collision and the road was covered in snow and ice.

The collision initially blocked westbound I-40 in an area with guardrails on both sides and included a jackknifed tractor-trailer, which completely obstructed the interstate. Multiple vehicles, including additional tractor-trailers, failed to properly brake or slow down and collided with the blocking vehicles. Multiple passenger vehicles were rear-ended, pushing them into, and in some cases, underneath crashed tractor-trailers.

The collision caused a fire which quickly spread to the other involved vehicles and burned for more than 20 hours. Firefighters, state troopers, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) personnel, and tow truck operators worked relentlessly during this time to reduce the fire, provide care, and/or clear the scene.

The collision involved a total of 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles. A total of 36 drivers and occupants were involved in the incident, including two fatalities, and 16 injured persons were transported for medical care.

The two deceased individuals have been identified as:

• Juan Beltran Sanchez, born 1970, of Chino Valley, AZ
• Evelyn Davis, born 1961, of Ganado, AZ

AZDPS Highway Patrol state troopers and advanced collision investigators assigned to the Highway Patrol Northern Regional Vehicular Crimes Unit are investigating this incident. They were assisted in the investigation by troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement District. This is an active investigation and will take time to complete due to the number of involved vehicles and people, as well as extensive fire damage.

Damage to the roadway and other infrastructure within the incident area as a result of the collision and subsequent fire is currently being evaluated by ADOT engineers. Questions regarding that process can be directed to the ADOT PIO at news@azdot.gov.

The AZDPS would like to thank our many partner agencies for their assistance during this extensive incident. The teamwork displayed during this incident is a testament to the dedication of first responders within our state.

The AZDPS would also like to remind drivers of the importance of reducing their speed and leaving plenty of distance between vehicles when driving in snow and icy conditions. Drivers are encouraged to keep an emergency supply kit in their vehicle, especially when traveling in the snow. The ADOT has provided a list of suggested emergency supplies at www.azdot.gov/knowsnow.

Drivers are encouraged to review current road conditions at www.az511.gov, especially when hazardous weather conditions are expected.

No further details on this incident will be available until the investigation is complete.

Copies of the final incident report can be requested via public records request on the AZDPS public records request portal at psp.azdps.gov.