A Phoenix man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he intentionally drove his SUV toward motel employees before crashing into a motel room, injuring a guest inside.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, 63-year-old Paul Hanley was arrested Tuesday night and booked on three counts of aggravated assault following the incident near Interstate 17, Thomas Road and 23rd Avenue.
Officers responded to the motel around 9:30 p.m. after receiving reports that a vehicle had slammed into the building.
Investigators said the incident began when two motel employees approached Hanley regarding complaints about loud music coming from his gray Nissan Rogue in the parking lot. During the encounter, Hanley allegedly became confrontational before backing out of his parking space and driving toward the employees.
Police said both workers were able to avoid being struck by jumping out of the vehicle’s path.
The SUV then crashed through the wall of a motel room occupied by a man who was alone inside at the time. Authorities said the impact knocked the victim from his bed and left him trapped beneath collapsed debris from the damaged wall.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly detained Hanley until officers arrived and took him into custody.
Firefighters with the Phoenix Fire Department rescued the trapped motel guest and transported him to a hospital for treatment. Officials have not released details regarding the extent of his injuries.
Hanley remains in custody on a $75,000 bond as investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The allegations remain under investigation, and Hanley is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
