Law enforcement PIT maneuvers alleged DUI driver on Mesa freeway

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — An alleged DUI driver is in custody after law enforcement was forced to perform a PIT maneuver on an East Valley freeway early Sunday morning.

Mesa police were initially called to a welfare check around 4:30 a.m. in a parking lot near Power and McDowell roads. Investigators say a man was yelling for help near his vehicle. However, when officers arrived, the man was reportedly “acting strangely” and appeared to be under the influence.

As officers attempted to approach the man, police say he got in his vehicle and began driving the wrong way along Power Road with no headlights on. The driver then went onto the Loop 202.

Law enforcement was able to track the driver down and performed a PIT maneuver in the eastbound lanes of the Loop 202 near McKellips Road. The driver was then taken into custody for aggravated DUI and other felony charges.

The eastbound lanes were briefly closed for several hours but reopened around 7 a.m. Traffic cameras showed several patrol vehicles surrounding a car on the shoulder of the eastbound lanes.

Department of Public Safety troopers assisted Mesa police officers.

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