Teen meth user returns to scene of hit-and-run collision

By Jon Johnson

jon@gilavalleycentral.net

SAFFORD – A 16-year-old self-admitted meth user returned to the scene of a hit-and-run collision Wednesday after dropping his younger brother off at his residence.

Officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of S. Central Avenue at about 6:40 p.m. regarding a car hitting a parked vehicle and driving away.

Witnesses reported seeing a red and silver Chevrolet Silverado strike a vehicle parked on the eastern curb. The witnesses said the Silverado then went in reverse before continuing southbound as it left the scene.

While speaking to witnesses, the Silverado arrived with a teenager behind the wheel.

The juvenile admitted striking the parked vehicle but said he did so to avoid hitting a child. He said he was afraid of getting in trouble and wanted to get his younger brother home, so he left but came back because it was the “right thing to do.” None of the witnesses reported any child in the area.

During their interaction with the juvenile, officers believed he may be under the influence of some type of drug and put him through field sobriety tests. After failing the tests, the juvenile was placed under arrest for DUI.

While being taken to the Safford Police Department, the youth allegedly admitted to snorting “a key” of methamphetamine earlier in the day. After a search warrant was granted, the driver’s blood was taken for testing purposes. The youth was then released to his father’s custody, and the report was forwarded to juvenile probation. 

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