On April 19th, 2024, at approximately 12:30 A.M. a Prescott Police Officer was travelling east on State Route 69 when he came upon a serious collision just east of the intersection at Robin Drive. Blocking the eastbound lanes of travel was a Nissan Maxima with heavy damage and approximately one hundred feet east of the Nissan and off the roadway in the brush was a white GMC truck with heavy front-end damage. EMS personnel along with additional resources were immediately directed to the scene to assist.
Although this incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Prescott Police Department remained on scene and assisted with the investigation.
Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the Nissan Maxima had been travelling west on State Route 69, being operated by a 17-year-old Prescott Valley resident. The Nissan was additionally occupied by a 17-year-old male in the front passenger seat and an 18-year-old female in the rear passenger seat. The driver of the Nissan attempted to make a u turn to travel back eastbound on State Route 69 utilizing the signalized intersection at Robin Dr. As the Nissan was completing the turn, it was struck by the GMC truck which had been travelling east on State Route 69.
The driver and sole occupant of the GMC truck was identified as 49-year-old Camp Verde resident, Jared Williams. Williams showed signs and symptoms of impairment while on scene and was detained for further investigation. Williams was transported to the Prescott Police Department where a search warrant was obtained. Pursuant to the search warrant, Williams submitted to tests of blood and breath which revealed an alcohol concentration of .196 well over twice the legal limit.
The rear seat passenger of the Nissan sustained significant injuries and was initially treated on scene by EMS personnel. She was airlifted from the scene with the intention of transporting her to a Phoenix area hospital for further treatment. Tragically, her condition worsened, and the flight was redirected to YRMC East campus where she was later pronounced deceased. All other occupants in the Nissan received only minor injuries.
This joint investigation is ongoing. Williams was arrested and booked into the Yavapai County Jail on charges of Manslaughter, Endangerment, Criminal Damage and Extreme DUI. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Prescott Police Department at (928) 777-1900 or the Arizona Department of Public Safety at (928)778-3271.
