Police pursuit along I-17 ends in bizarre manner; suspect arrested

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- DPS officials say impairment is suspected in a police chase along Interstate 17 in North Phoenix that ended at a gas station Tuesday afternoon.

According to Department of Public Safety officials, troopers received 911 reports at around 2:00 p.m. on March 26 of a red Jeep SUV heading south at a high rate of speed, tailgating, driving all over the road, and making rude gestures. The driver, identified as Flagstaff resident Jessie Atom Riggs, also nearly caused a collision.

Troopers tried to initiate a traffic stop after locating the car traveling at 100 mph near Black Canyon City, but Riggs did not stop, leading to the chase.

One trooper, according to DPS officials, witnessed Riggs drinking what appeared to be an alcoholic drink during the incident. Troopers later spike-striped the car, taking out the two front tires.

Riggs, according to DPS, was taken into custody at a QuikTrip gas station near Thunderbird and I-17. Video taken by SkyFOX shows the driver doing push-ups in the moments prior to the arrest being made.

Riggs is accused of unlawful flight from a pursuing officer, aggravated assault and criminal damage.