DPS Seeking witnesses to incident on I-17 this morning

[APSN556]

Greetings,

DPS is actively seeking witnesses who may have been traveling northbound on I-17 in the area of 7th street and 16th around 9:30 a.m. this morning on todays date of 03/02/2009. A truck (unknown description) was traveling northbound lost a large tie-down strap which went through the windshield of a work truck traveling south bound on I-17 near 16th street. The metal portion of the strap stuck the adult male passenger in the head causing severe head trauma. The male victim is in very critical condition at a local hospital. We would appreciate it if you would broadcast this to your listeners as soon as possible. We don't have a good description of the suspect truck, only to say it was most likely a flat bed type truck which would have required such a large four inch tie down strap. We would hope the person who lost the strap will come forward immediately and speak with our DPS investigators. Witnesses are asked to call (602) 223-2212 or email, pio@azdps.gov with any information.


Thanks,


Robert Bailey
Officer
AZ Department of Public Safety,
CORE: Public Affairs and Media Relations
Office of the Director
Work: 602-223-2310
Fax: 602-271-7458
Cell: 602-377-3698
pio@azdps.gov
rbailey@azdps.gov

[APSN556]

- For Immediate Release -
Friday, March 6, 2009


Passenger injured by metal debris on Monday, March 02, 2009 near 16th Street on Interstate 17 has died from his injuries.


Timothy John Dunavin, 42, of Waddell Ariz. died yesterday evening (March 5, 2009) from the injuries sustained after being struck by flying debris on Monday, March 2, 2009. Mr. Dunavin was a passenger in a work truck being driven by Ryan Headden, 29, of Phoenix Ariz. Mr. Headden was not injured in the incident. DPS Investigators are still seeking information from possible witnesses of this incident or someone who may have any pertinent information.

** The following is the original release sent out on March 2, 2009. **

Debris falls from flat bed truck or trailer on freeway seriously injuring innocent motorist
DPS seeking witnesses who may have been in the area

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively seeking witnesses who may have been traveling northbound on I-17 in the area between 7th street and 16th street in Phoenix around 9:30 a.m. this morning (March 2, 2009). A truck (unknown description) was traveling northbound in this area when it lost the ratcheting portion of a tie-down system. This large, metal object fell from the truck or trailer and bounced upon hitting the roadway, eventually vaulting over the barrier wall and through the windshield of a work truck traveling southbound on I-17.

The metal ratchet stuck an adult male passenger in the head causing severe head trauma. The male victim is in very critical condition at a local hospital. We would appreciate it if you would broadcast this to your listeners as soon as possible. We don't have a good description of the suspect vehicle but do believe it was most likely a flat bed type truck or flat bed commercial trailer which would have required a large ratcheting tie down system.

We would hope the person who lost the ratchet will come forward immediately and speak with our DPS investigators. Any witnesses are asked to call (602) 223-2212 or email pio@azdps.gov with any information.