Phoenix crash near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road leaves two dead after traffic stop

What happened

A late-night collision in west Phoenix that was initially reported as leaving one person dead and another seriously injured has since been confirmed to have resulted in two deaths, following updates released by law enforcement.

The crash occurred on Thursday, January 29, 2026, near the intersection of 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Emergency crews arrived to find two vehicles involved and two people injured. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was transported to a hospital in extremely critical condition. Police later reported that the hospitalized driver also died.

Timeline leading up to the collision

Investigators said the events began shortly after 11:30 p.m. on January 29, when a Phoenix police officer conducted a traffic stop near 59th Avenue and Buckeye Road. The driver was identified as 40-year-old Ruben Almanza. Police said the officer observed signs consistent with impairment during the stop.

After several minutes, investigators said Almanza drove away from the traffic stop at a high rate of speed, heading westbound on Lower Buckeye Road. The officer did not pursue and instead broadcast the vehicle’s description and direction of travel to other units and air support.

Who was killed

Police identified the other driver as 35-year-old Melvina Jones, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Almanza was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died, police said.

What investigators believe happened on the road

Based on preliminary findings, detectives believe Almanza was driving westbound on Lower Buckeye Road when his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with Jones’ vehicle, which was traveling eastbound.

As of the latest police update, no additional occupants were reported as fatalities in the crash. Authorities have not released further details about vehicle speeds, whether seat belts were used, or whether impairment will be confirmed through toxicology results.

What remains unknown

• Whether toxicology testing will confirm impairment and, if so, what substances were involved.
• Whether any additional contributing factors—such as mechanical issues, road conditions, or driver distraction—played a role.
• Whether any related investigative findings will be referred for further review, given that the suspected driver died.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Traffic restrictions were reported in the area following the crash as investigators processed the scene.