On December 20, at 2:09 p.m., Chandler Police Department officers responded to a two vehicle injury collision on Dobson Road and Shawnee Drive in Chandler.
Investigators learned that 27-year-old Gage Kaufman was driving northbound on Dobson Road at a higher rate of speed when he collided with another vehicle being driven by 73-year-old Vaka Tooa.
Mr. Tooa was attempting to enter Dobson Road from Shawnee Drive when the collision occurred. At the time of the incident all drivers and passengers were transported to a local hospital including Mr. Tooa and his 4-year-old grandson who were both reported to be in critical condition.
The next day on December 21, Mr. Tooa’s grandson died of his injuries at the hospital . Nine days later on December 30, 2022, Mr. Tooa also died from his injuries.
The Chandler Police Department Vehicular Crimes Unit investigated the fatal collision in arrested Kaufman for multiple felony charges related to the excessive speed of his vehicle prior to the collision including Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, and Endangerment.