On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 14, 2024, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) trooper stopped the driver of a Dodge Durango for a civil traffic violation as they left the Phoenix area. During the stop, the trooper observed several indicators of criminal activity, and a drug detection canine alerted to the vehicle. During the subsequent vehicle search, troopers located approximately 51.4 pounds of fentanyl pills in a large tote bag inside the SUV.

The street value of the fentanyl seized is estimated at about $500,000.

Investigators believe the drugs were being transported from Phoenix to the Houston area.

The suspect driver was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County Jail on charges including possession and transportation of narcotic drugs for sale.

On Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, commercial vehicle driver Danny G. Tiner, 38, was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison in connection with a Jan. 12, 2023, fatal collision on Interstate 10 in Chandler which resulted in the deaths of five people.

Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) troopers initially suspected driver distraction as a possible factor in the collision. Following months of investigation, troopers determined Tiner was traveling 68 mph in the posted 55-mph construction zone and was actively using the TikTok application on his cell phone at the time of the collision. Troopers arrested Tiner at his home on June 29, 2023, on charges including five counts of manslaughter, four counts of endangerment and one count of tampering with evidence.

In June of 2024, Tiner pleaded guilty to five counts of negligent homicide.

This marks the first case in AZDPS history in which a driver has been convicted of causing a fatal collision while distracted by a social media application.

"Troopers and our law enforcement partners worked tirelessly to ensure a thorough investigation for the victims and their families," said AZDPS Sergeant Smith. "This tragedy was entirely preventable. Don't risk lives - put your phone away and give driving your full attention."

AZDPS would like to thank our partners at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the FBI for their assistance throughout this investigation.

To review the incident management log, please visit www.azdps.gov/news/ims/91.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is proud to announce that Colonel Jeffrey Glover, director of the AZDPS, has been sworn in as the president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). The official swearing-in ceremony took place in New Orleans on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, marking a significant milestone for both Colonel Glover and the greater law enforcement community.

Colonel Glover’s appointment as president of NOBLE reflects his unwavering commitment to justice, community engagement, and the advancement of diversity within law enforcement agencies. With over two decades of dedicated service in various capacities with the Tempe Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Colonel Glover has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a sincere dedication to improving public safety and fostering strong community relationships.

The mission of NOBLE is to ensure equity in the administration of justice in the provision of public service to all communities, and to serve as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. As president, Colonel Glover will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, advocating for policy reforms, and enhancing professional development opportunities for its members.

“Congratulations to my friend and colleague Colonel Glover on becoming president of NOBLE,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “As director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Colonel Glover has served the people of Arizona with integrity. His commitment to community building and policing with purpose and empathy has been fundamental to our efforts to keep our communities safe. Arizona is proud to see Colonel Glover’s leadership recognized.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed as president of NOBLE,” said Colonel Glover. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our members and partners to address the challenges facing law enforcement today, promote best practices, and drive positive change in our communities. This role is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and I am excited to represent our values on a national stage.”

The AZDPS remains committed to supporting Colonel Glover in his new role and continuing its mission to provide public safety services to the State of Arizona.