Grand Avenue closed after crash near El Mirage-Sun City border

Grand Avenue was closed in both directions near the El Mirage-Sun City border Friday morning after a driver fleeing police crashed into another vehicle, according to the El Mirage Police Department.

The closure affected U.S. 60 between Thompson Ranch Road and 113th Avenue. Drivers were being told to avoid the area as investigators worked at the scene. No reopening estimate was included in the initial report.

This article reflects information available as of 5:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in Arizona. Road conditions can change quickly. Drivers can check the Arizona 511 traffic map before traveling.

What police say happened

The incident began around 10 p.m. Thursday, when officers saw a vehicle parked in an area that is not normally open to the public and heard what they believed were gunshots, according to Arizona’s Family’s report citing El Mirage police.

Police said the driver sped away as officers approached. Other officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not pull over. The department said officers did not pursue the vehicle.

The vehicle continued southeast on Grand Avenue and collided with another vehicle near 113th Avenue, police said.

Officers arriving at the crash found the fleeing driver with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the police account. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The other driver suffered minor injuries and was also hospitalized.

Road closure affects Friday morning travel

Grand Avenue is also designated U.S. 60 through this part of the West Valley. The closure blocks the corridor between the Thompson Ranch Road junction and 113th Avenue while police investigate the crash and circumstances that preceded it.

Police had not publicly identified the critically injured driver in the initial report. Authorities also had not announced how long the roadway would remain closed.

West Valley Post will update this report if police release materially new information or confirm that the road has reopened.

Featured image: Editorial illustration created for West Valley Post. It does not depict the crash scene, the vehicles involved or an actual road barricade at the location.