April 06, 2009  Benson, Arizona
Arizona DPS Officer recovers 910 pounds of marijuana from a truck

On April 6, 2009 an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officer tried to stop a 2000 Ford Utility truck on Interstate 10 about 5 miles west of Benson for speeding. A pursuit ensued as the vehicle fled westbound. The vehicle took the Empirita exit and continued on a dirt road at a high rate of speed. The officer discontinued the pursuit, but continued along the dirt road at a safe speed. The officer located the vehicle abandoned a short while later with adestroyed oil pan. Located in the truck were 44 bundles of marijuana totaling 910 pounds. The driver fled on foot and is described as a Hispanic male who was wearing a hardhat and a reflective construction vest. The area was searched but the driver was not located. The DPS helicopter from Tucson and DPS Officers from Tucson and Benson assisted with the search.

Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety