New Details: News 11 examines DPS report on crash involving Yuma City Administrator
DPS report accuses Philip Rodriguez of giving false information to law enforcement - News 11's Arlette Yousif continues her coverage
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - News 11 has obtained the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) report on a June hit and run crash involving Yuma City Administrator Philip Rodriguez.
In addition to facing charges for leaving the scene of a crash, Arlette Yousif has learned Rodriguez is also accused of giving law enforcement false information, and she's taking a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident happened June 3 on Interstate 8. According to the DPS report, the reporting party claims he saw Rodriguez's Toyota Forerunner get on the highway and speed to catch up with his Winnebago. The RV driver claims the Toyota pulled up beside him, and he saw Rodriguez make what he described as aggressive hand gestures. He also notes the SUV was weaving in its lane.
The reporting party claims he slowed to allow the SUV to pass, but it matched his speed. He says eventually, the driver hit the gas and cut in front of him, side-swiping the left front bumper of the RV.
The report goes on to detail some harassing behavior from Rodriguez in the parking lot of the Days Inn on 16th Street, just a short distance from the I-8 off-ramp.
In the report, the other driver says he tried to drive around to another end of the parking lot when he was cut off and blocked in by Rodriguez's vehicle where he says Rodriguez appeared to be taking pictures of the RV before once again driving off.
The responding officer writes that he did not see Rodriguez until he showed up with his attorney, more than four hours after responding to the initial call.
The Yuma Police Department (YPD) confirms that Rodriguez also called to report the incident. However, he called Deputy Chief Lisa Culp directly and did not call 9-1-1. Deputy Chief Culp then sent the call to service to DPS as it was an incident on the highway.
Rodriguez was served with his final citation at his home just two days later.
KYMA has reached out to Rodriguez and his attorney, but we have only received one email response from his attorney stating that Rodriguez maintains his innocence.
We will continue to follow this story to bring you the latest details.
