Suspected street racer charged with aggravated assault for major crash involving semi in Phoenix

Authorities in Arizona arrested and charged a man who they say caused a multi-vehicle crash resulting in injuries while street racing.

Phoenix resident Julian Beltran-Cardenas, 31, has been arrested and charged with racing on highways, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The arrest stems from a three-vehicle crash that occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on January 19 on westbound I-10 at 43rd Avenue in Phoenix.

Multiple 911 callers reported street racing in the area at the time of the crash.

Arizona DPS says that it is believed that Beltran-Cardenas was behind the wheel of an Infiniti sedan that was racing other vehicles when he “swerved right to avoid slowing traffic, lost control of his car, and struck a highway barrier wall before swerving back across highway travel lanes and striking a commercial tractor-trailer. The impact from the Infiniti caused the tractor-trailer to swerve left, collide with a pickup truck and strike the median barrier.”

Authorities said that the “reckless actions” of Beltran-Cardenas resulted in injuries to other drivers, significant damage to multiple vehicles, and major damage to highway barrier systems.

Arizona DPS warns that “drivers and participants caught engaging in street racing may face penalties including a 20-day vehicle impound, fines, community restitution, and the possibility of jail time for second and subsequent offenses.”