18-Year-Old Charged After Phoenix Crash Kills 76-Year-Old Driver

Phoenix police arrested 18-year-old Jeffrey Daniel White following a chain-reaction crash that killed 76-year-old Frances Homer. The collision occurred at approximately 9:10 p.m. on October 29 in the vicinity of 19th Avenue and Evans Drive. Department officials released a statement on October 30 detailing the sequence of events and the subsequent apprehension of the suspect.

Investigators stated that several cars were stopped in traffic behind a city bus as passengers exited when the accident occurred. One vehicle left the roadway, crossed a sidewalk, and struck a small brick pony wall. Homer, who drove that vehicle, was transported by Phoenix Fire personnel to a hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

White allegedly drove a gray Volvo SUV at a high rate of speed. He collided with the rear of a white Dodge Ram pickup truck, triggering the multi-vehicle impact. Three other drivers involved in the crash, men aged 33, 45, and 26, remained uninjured and stayed at the scene while emergency crews responded.

Police reported that White attempted to flee on foot after the collision. Witnesses detained him before he escaped further. He was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. A Drug Recognition Expert assigned to the Vehicular Crimes unit evaluated him and observed signs of impairment.

During his treatment, White kicked an officer in the face. Officers subsequently arrested him for aggravated assault. The investigation remains in progress, and police indicated that White could face additional allegations based on further findings.

The suspect was identified by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The department confirmed the arrest and the status of the investigation in its public release. Homer's death was the only fatality reported in the five-vehicle incident.