Phoenix Police: impairment suspected in crash that killed taxi driver

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Phoenix Police officials say a 26-year-old is suspected of killing a taxi driver in a crash that happened during the late night hours of February 6.

The incident, according to Phoenix Police, happened shortly before midnight on February 6 on Thomas Road and 57th Avenue, when 26-year-old Blaze Franklin attempted a left turn onto 57th Avenue in front of a taxi that was heading west. The taxi and Franklin's car collided, and the taxi overturned.

Police believe Franklin was impaired at the time.

According to a statement released by Sgt. Jonathan Howard Monday afternoon, the taxi driver, identified as 42-year-old Santiago Maya, has died of his injuries. Police say Maya is not believed to be impaired at the time of the crash.

Franklin, meanwhile, was released from the hospital on February 8, after which he was booked into Maricopa County Jail on several charges. Police say Monday they are working with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office to have the charges for Franklin upgraded, due to Maya's death.