The Peoria crash was reported shortly before 10:30 a.m. near Vistancia and El Mirage roads.
Peoria, AZ – A 78-year-old man was killed, and another person was injured after a vehicle rolled down a driveway and struck them in a north Peoria neighborhood late Tuesday morning, according to police.
The Peoria crash was reported shortly before 10:30 a.m. near Vistancia and El Mirage roads.
Authorities said two people arrived at a residence in a Toyota RAV4 and exited the SUV. The passenger, identified as 78-year-old Arnold Anderson, walked behind the vehicle to speak with a neighbor. Investigators said the driver leaned back inside the still-running SUV to turn it off when the vehicle began rolling backward down the driveway, hitting both Anderson and the neighbor. Anderson became pinned underneath the SUV.
Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene. The neighbor suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. The driver was not injured and is cooperating with investigators.
Police described the incident as tragic and said the circumstances remain under review.
Officers secured a portion of the roadway in front of the home as they investigated. The SUV was stopped at the base of the driveway while authorities documented the scene.
The Peoria crash temporarily restricted access in the immediate area as officials worked at the site.
The incident remains under investigation.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona recorded 1,307 traffic fatalities in 2023. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that non-traffic incidents, including vehicles rolling unintentionally, contribute to roadway deaths nationwide each year.
If you or a loved one has been injured or you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. An accident attorney will help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact a trusted car accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options.