MESA, Ariz — An Arizona man who escaped from police custody was killed in a traffic fatality while riding a stolen motorcycle, officials said.
Anthony Rosales was arrested Sept. 11 by the Mesa Police Department. He was being charged with theft and refusal to identify himself. After escaping from custody, he was killed in a traffic collision in Mesa on Sept. 21, according to MPD, 12 News reported.
On Sept. 11, an arresting officer had Rosales sit on a bench outside the jail but within a fenced holding area. The officer’s back was turned to the suspect while finishing booking paperwork on a computer. As a result, Rosales took advantage of the opportunity and slipped out of the fenced area while the gate was closing, officials said.
On Sept. 21, Rosales was riding a stolen motorcycle westbound on east Broadway Road when he ran a red light at 63rd Street, according to police. Another vehicle was making a left turn at the intersection and collided with Rosales.
After the crash, Rosales was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. MPD said the escapee had additional warrants for his arrest at the time of his death, the news outlet reported.
Traffic investigators said impairment was not a factor for the other driver.
