PHOENIX — A 29-year-old man was arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly driving a water truck erratically across several Valley freeways and refusing to stop for authorities, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The incident began around 1 p.m. when DPS troopers received reports of a water truck swerving and “all over the road” near the Dobson Road exit on the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway in Mesa. Troopers quickly located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver did not comply.
Instead, the driver — later identified as Juan Magdaleno — continued westbound, crossing into the I-10 freeway. The large commercial truck, commonly used for construction or dust control, made its way across the Valley during the busy holiday weekend traffic, raising safety concerns for drivers on the road.
DPS coordinated with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to manage traffic, and a brief shutdown was necessary near the Loop 303 as the vehicle finally became disabled, coming to a stop without further incident. No injuries or collisions were reported.
Magdaleno was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Maricopa County Jail. He faces charges of DUI and unlawful flight from law enforcement. DPS is investigating whether he was authorized to operate the truck, which may have been privately or commercially owned.
Officials did not release details on Magdaleno’s blood alcohol level or whether any drugs were involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
