A Pinal County Superior Court judge has sentenced a human smuggler, Timothy Broyles, to more than 20 years in prison for seriously injuring two people and endangering others in a high-speed crash while fleeing law enforcement along the I-10.
Judge Jason Holmberg sentenced the 33-year-old Broyles to 22.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Broyles pled guilty to two counts of Aggravated Assault, both Class 3 Felonies; Unlawful Flight from Law Enforcement, a Class 5 Felony; and two counts of Endangerment, both Class 6 Felonies.
“Smuggling in Pinal County does not pay,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb. “We will hold you accountable.”
In February, 2023, deputies with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on a Red GMC traveling along I-10. The vehicle did not stop and instead sped up and began changing lanes. The deputy initiated a pursuit and followed the vehicle as it weaved through traffic at speeds up to 90mph. At one point, the GMC crossed over the median and began driving into oncoming traffic, driving westbound on the eastbound side of the interstate at speeds near 90 mph.
Traffic was having to swerve to avoid striking the GMC. During the pursuit, the GMC lost control and rolled into the median. Two passengers were ejected and sustained serious injuries. Two other passengers were also in the vehicle and suffered minor injuries.
Broyles was identified as the driver and told deputies he did not stop because he was scared and did not want “to lose his load of people,” according to the incident report.
Broyles also admitted to using fentanyl and had to have narcan administered by EMS.