PHOENIX, AZ – A man has been arrested after an apparent street racing crash in Phoenix May 2, 2021 that left a woman dead. Police say 34-year-old Andrew Friedlander has been booked into jail for manslaughter.
The crash occurred at the intersection of 91st Avenue and Indian School Road in west Phoenix around 9:30 p.m. Police say Friedlander was speeding in an Infiniti Q50 next to a black Camaro when he hit 28-year-old Charissa Coleman’s Jeep Patriot. According to the police report, Friedlander was going more than 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Police say Coleman had been headed eastbound on Indian School Road, and was turning left to go north on 91st Avenue when she was hit. The Jeep caught fire and a bystander pulled an unconscious Coleman from the SUV. She was taken to the hospital where she later died. Friedlander was taken to the hospital. The Camaro driver took off.
“We need everyone to listen to the message to stop street racing,” said Phoenix Police Sgt. Maggie Cox. “This is an instance of a tragedy.”
Back in 2019, Leah Stenzel lost a friend when drag racers hit the friend’s car in Scottsdale. She believes more needs to be done in Arizona to stop the racing. “I just can’t believe that we’re still hearing of stories where people are dying because somebody can’t control the speed of their car,” said Stenzel.
Cox said Phoenix police formed a task force cracking down on street racing, issuing 213 citations, making 129 arrests, and towing 36 cars since January.
“A couple of weeks ago, we have a new law. We are now able to impound vehicles that are participating in street racing,” said Cox. “That’s a 30-day impound.”
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Charissa Coleman over this tragic loss.
Source: 3TV/CBS5