Witnesses say red light runner caused deadly 7-car crash in Phoenix
Witnesses describe fatal Phoenix collision
Seven vehicles were involved in a fatal crash just before noon Tuesday in Phoenix. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz hears from witnesses who recalled what happened.
PHOENIX - A man was killed, and two others were hurt in a Phoenix crash involving seven vehicles on Tuesday morning, the police department said.
What we know:
The June 9 crash happened just before 11:45 a.m. near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road.
"When officers arrived on the scene, they located one adult male who was in critical condition. The Phoenix Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Two other adults were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries," Phoenix Police said.
Video from the scene showed a man, later identified as 48-year-old Lee Arthur Simmons Jr., being detained by officers.
Phoenix police said Simmons ran a red light and struck two vehicles. The impact pushed those cars into the intersection, where they collided with several more vehicles. Prior to the crash, officials said Simmons was traveling at 96 mph.
Man accused of causing deadly 7-car crash called 'danger to the community'
Authorities identified 48-year-old Lee Arthur Simmons Jr. as the driver accused of the deadly Phoenix crash involving seven vehicles. The suspect was reportedly driving at 96 mph prior to the crash that killed a 60-year-old man and sent two people to the hospital.
Dig deeper:
One of the victims taken to the hospital was a pedestrian who was in the crosswalk when the crash happened, and a witness tried to give the deceased victim CPR before he died. The man who died was identified as 60-year-old Richard Lovato.
"They just hit us. We got a green light, we went through, and then somebody just ran the red light and hit three of the cars," a witness named Eric said.
"He ran a red light, he hit a bunch of other vehicles. I slammed on my brakes luckily and avoided it. I had to render medical attention to a gentleman that did not end up making it at the scene," a witness named Carl said.
What they're saying:
Phoenix police Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez urged drivers to exercise caution on the road.
"I ask our community to please slow down. Please be aware of the lights. Please be aware of pedestrians possibly trying to cross and make it. The responsibility lies with all of us in order to make our community safe," Fernandez said. "We have to be responsible when we're behind the wheel, whether that's making sure we're sober, making sure that we're slowing down and obeying the speed limits. But there's a responsibility, and driving is a privilege."
The backstory:
Simmons has an extensive criminal history. Records show he served 10 years in prison for aggravated DUI, as well as time for kidnapping, attempted theft and burglary.
What's next:
Police believe Simmons was impaired at the time of the crash.
In his court appearance on June 10, the county attorney's office called him a danger to the community. Simmons is facing multiple charges including second-degree murder and driving under the influence. He is being held on a $1 million bond.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Map of the area where the crash happened