The Flagstaff Police Department has released body cam footage of officers responding to a serious injury accident resulting from a suspected intoxicated driver, Tito Whiterock, age 30, evading police after a report of a drive by shooting.
On September 13, at approximately 8:55 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of North Izabel Avenue in reference to a report of a drive by shooting which did not result in any fatalities or injuries. Upon arrival officers located shell casings in the area confirming the report and witnesses described a black vehicle fleeing the area at a high rate of speed.
Another officer who was investigating an unrelated theft call located a black vehicle at Buffalo Park shortly after the report of the drive by shooting. As the officer approached the vehicle on foot to make contact and investigate his theft report, Whiterock put the vehicle in gear and fled the area at a high rate of speed. The Officer observed Whiterock and his passenger with cans of beer in their hands. He obtained a license plate number, vehicle description and informed other officers that Whiterock had left the area.
Shortly after he aired the description of the vehicle other officers saw the vehicle driving recklessly through the Sunnyside Neighborhood. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however the vehicle did not immediately stop. The vehicle eventually pulled over to the side of the road at the 3300 block of East Route 66 after initially failing to yield to police. As the officer exited his vehicle and commanded Whiterock to turn his vehicle off, he fled the traffic stop at a high rate of speed.
Officers initiated a pursuit that was terminated shortly thereafter when speeds became high. Officers turned off their lights and sirens and slowed down. Approximately 20 seconds after the pursuit ended, the vehicle was involved in an injury accident with two other vehicles occupied by citizens. Officers engaged their lights and sirens a second time and proceeded to the accident scene to treat injured parties and investigate. Six individuals including Whiterock were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Whiterock was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and fleeing from a police officer.