Traffic Stop Escalates to Officer Emergency in West Mesa, Suspect Taken Into Custody at Gunpoint

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent

iSkyNews.com (ISC News) – Published December 25th, 2025

Updated December 26th @ 8:00 am

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Traffic Stop Escalates to Officer Emergency in West Mesa, Suspect Taken Into Custody at Gunpoint

MESA, AZ — Mesa Police have released new details following a traffic stop that escalated Thursday evening in West Mesa, resulting in the arrest of a driver after he became confrontational with officers.

According to the Mesa Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop on the evening of December 25 in the area of University Drive and Lazona Drive after observing a Chevy Silverado traveling at a high rate of speed and driving erratically through a residential neighborhood.

Traffic Stop Location / Apple Maps

Police say that during the stop, the driver exited the vehicle, began “FaceTiming”, became confrontational, and repeatedly ignored officer commands. Due to the driver’s behavior, additional officers responded to the scene. Mesa Police immediately held the radio channel for emergency traffic, and the stop was upgraded to a 913, indicating an officer in urgent need of assistance.

Multiple patrol units responded to the area, blocking nearby roadways as officers arrived on scene and drew their weapons. Mesa Police air support (Falcon) was also overhead, providing updates to responding units. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 30s with tattoos, wearing a white tank top and black pants. No other occupants were inside the truck.

The suspect was ultimately held at gunpoint and taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.

Mesa Police confirmed the driver was arrested on charges of threatening and intimidating and interfering with a peace officer. Officers also conducted a DUI investigation, and related charges are pending laboratory analysis.

🙏 We want to thank the Mesa Police Department for their quick response and continued commitment to keeping our Mesa community safe.