2 DPS Troopers Stop With Wrong-Way Driver Phoenix Freeway

Two Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers intentionally collided with a wrong-way driver, traveling on a Phoenix freeway early Thursday to stop a possible terrible situation for drivers.

DPS reports that an 82-year-old woman wrong-way driver, entered State Route 51 at Shea Boulevard around 2 a.m. and was traveling south in the northbound lanes.

The driver of the vehicle continued the wrong way in traffic on the State Route 51 for 5 miles before the two troopers were able to locate and collide with the vehicle at Glendale Avenue.

The driver was taken to the hospital for injuries that were not life threatening.

The troopers drove themselves to the hospital to be treated of minor injuries.

DPS reports that the woman was confused, and impairment has been ruled out as a factor.

Authorities shut down the northbound lanes of SR 51 in the area for one hour. The freeway has since reopened.