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DPS: I-10 wrong way driver endangers five people including trooper in Tempe

Desean Stephens.jpg
Posted at 1:16 PM, Jan 25, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-25 15:19:11-05

TEMPE, AZ — A suspected wrong way driver is behind bars after driving the wrong way on Interstate 10 in Tempe.

Department of Public Safety officials report on January 18 just before midnight, they responded to calls of a wrong way driver on I-10 near Baseline Road.

A DPS trooper spotted the vehicle and had to take evasive action to avoid hitting the car head on.

Officials said the driver, 35-year-old Desean Donte Stephens, made a U-turn on the highway and was boxed in by DPS officers. Authorities said a breath test showed Stephens B.A.C. level was .134.

A total of five victims were identified as being in vehicles nearly struck by Stephens.

He reportedly told offices he "spent several hours at a bar in Phoenix prior to this incident."

Stephens has been charged with aggravated DUI and several counts of endangerment.