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Suspect fled from Sun City traffic stop; gas station clerk says suspect escaped DPS custody

Posted at 4:54 AM, Aug 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-25 21:03:02-04

A suspect who fled from a traffic stop in Sun City early Thursday morning remains on the run, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Troopers were in the area of 103rd and Grand avenues early Thursday where they pulled over a driver who reportedly had drugs inside the vehicle.

A clerk at an ARCO gas station in the area says troopers were initially able to arrest the suspect, but he ran from DPS custody.

DPS says the suspect asked to have the windows rolled down because he was having trouble breathing. Once the window was open, he reached through and opened the door.

A nearby mechanic said he was shocked when told about the escape. Rick Proctor has since made sure nothing at his shop has been touched.

"I went out back and checked out all the cars I have in storage in the back to make sure he wasn't in one of those,"  Proctor said. "I checked the back too, the back door to make sure he didn't come in and hide in the shop somewhere. I was worried about that. So I'm checking all the cars now making sure they're locked up. I don't want to leave anything out now, who knows he could be in the area.”

According to DPS, a search of the area was inconclusive as to finding the driver. Troopers are now working with other law enforcement agencies in an attempt to track down the suspect.

Officials are still investigating the incident.