Phoenix police investigate critical incident near 35th Avenue and Osborn Road after early-morning crash response
What is confirmed so far
Phoenix police were involved in a “critical incident” near the intersection of North 35th Avenue and West Osborn Road in west Phoenix during an early-morning response that centered on a heavily damaged sedan that came to rest near a convenience-store parking lot. The incident prompted an on-scene investigation and traffic restrictions in the area.
Emergency crews were dispatched shortly after 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, to a single-vehicle collision at or near the 35th Avenue–Osborn Road intersection. Police reported that the vehicle involved had been stolen from a neighboring city, and that two women who were in the car were taken to a nearby hospital after being detained at the scene.
Detentions, injuries, and roadway closures
Investigators said both the driver and passenger attempted to run from the crash site but were detained. Both were transported for medical care. The extent and nature of their injuries were not detailed in the initial public information released, and there was no immediate public identification of either person.
Police also closed Osborn Road in both directions west of 35th Avenue as the investigation continued, affecting morning traffic in the Maryvale area. Closures in this corridor typically require coordinated scene management because the intersection connects a north–south arterial (35th Avenue) with a major east–west route (Osborn Road).
Why police label some events “critical incidents”
In Phoenix, “critical incident” is a broad public-facing term used to describe serious events involving police that can include officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, and other high-risk encounters. Such designations generally indicate enhanced investigative and review procedures, as well as heightened public interest due to the potential for significant injury, death, or use of force.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what specific factor in the 35th Avenue and Osborn Road case triggered the “critical incident” description beyond the crash response and detentions.
What remains unanswered
Whether any officer used force during the detention or in the moments after the crash.
Whether any officers or bystanders were injured.
Whether impairment, speed, or another contributing factor is suspected in the crash.
Whether criminal charges were immediately filed, and if so, which counts.
Next steps in the investigation
Police investigations of serious crashes and critical incidents typically involve documentation of the scene, witness interviews, review of any available surveillance or in-vehicle video, and follow-up reporting once medical status and investigative findings are clearer. Authorities indicated the case was continuing to develop, with additional information expected after initial evidence collection and interviews are completed.