New Mexico Man Leads Authorities On A Wild Chase Through Northern Arizona Monday Morning

A New Mexico man led authorities on a chase in a motorhome Monday morning near Seligman and Ash Fork. Authorities say 38-year-old Brian Smolak was driving the stolen RV and was reportedly was involved in a hit-and-run accident at around 7:30 a.m. on Fort Rock Road in Seligman. The suspect drove off heading eastbound on Route 66. YCSO called DPS to assist with locating the RV and was later spotted on I-40 westbound. Deputies stayed behind the suspect, who at this time was swerving all over the road and was believed to be under the influence based on the erratic driving. Coconino County Sheriffs deputies were contacted to help assist, as the RV continued on I-40 headed toward Coconino County. YCSO deputies held traffic on the I-40 while attempting to stop the RV at mile marker 143, but the suspect did not comply. The RV then turned onto State Route 89 heading into Ashfork. With YCSO still behind it, the driver started going the wrong way on Lewis Street and then turned back onto 1-40 eastbound. Not content with the switchbacks and route, the RV later exited into Williams and then returned back on I-40 heading westbound. That’s where DPS used spike sticks to force the suspect to pull over. Smolak was taken into custody a little after 9 a.m. After he was arrested, deputies found drug paraphernalia in the cab of the RV during a search.