A New Mexico man, Brian K. Smolak, driving an RV took Yavapai County and Coconino County Sheriffs and DPS deputies on a wild ride along several roadways near Seligman and Ashfork.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), a call came into the Dispatch center at 7:30 a.m., reporting a hit and run accident on Fort Rock Rd in Seligman. Smolak suspect drove off in an RV heading eastbound on Route 66. The victim originally complained of neck and back pain but refused medical treatment at the scene.
YCSO called DPS to assist with locating the RV which was last seen traveling on Route 66 toward I-40. The RV was spotted on I-40 westbound when YCSO deputies were able to see through an open window that Smolak was a white male with a beard. YCSO stayed behind Smolak, who at this time was swerving all over the road and was believed to be under the influence based on the erratic driving. Coconino County Sheriffs were contacted at this time to assist as the RV continued on I-40 headed toward Coconino.
YCSO deputies held traffic on the I-40 while attempting to stop the RV at mile marker 143 but Smolak did not comply. The RV then turned onto Route 89 heading into Ashfork, with YCSO still behind it, when Smolak started going the wrong way on Lewis Street and then turned back onto 1-40 eastbound.
Not content with the switchbacks and dizzying route, the RV exited into Williams and was back on I-40 now going westbound, where DPS used spiked stop sticks to force Smolak to pull over. Smolak was taken into custody a little after 9 am. Drug paraphernalia was later discovered in the cab of the RV.
The RV rental agency was contacted and confirmed the vehicle was stolen and should have been on a lot in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“This was an amazing arrest by committed deputies who were taken on quite the tour this morning” said Sheriff David Rhodes. “I am glad the victim of the hit and run was ok, and thank DPS and the Coconino County Sheriffs for their assistance.”