CMS: DPS chases stolen tow truck 70+ miles (KNXV)

Authorities say a man who allegedly stole a tow truck after the operator repossessed his vehicle led officers on a 70-mile chase that ended in Globe early Saturday morning.

According to Department of Public Safety Officer Robert Bailey, 30-year-old Darin Matracia of Mesa pulled a knife on the truck driver after his vehicle had been loaded onto the truck in Phoenix at about 5:30 a.m.

Phoenix police tried to stop Matracia and ended their pursuit at 40th Street and Interstate 10.

A Phoenix police helicopter followed the stolen truck until DPS officers caught up with it near eastbound US 60 and Gilbert Road at about 5:15 a.m.

DPS officers tried to stop the vehicle but Matracia refused to stop.

Officers were able to flatten the truck's tires in Apache Junction, but Matracia slowly drove another 50 miles to Globe.

Bailey says a DPS sergeant was on the phone with Matracia throughout the pursuit and that Matracia was threatening to hurt himself.

The suspect was finally boxed in and arrested at about 7:15 a.m. in Globe.

According to Bailey, Matracia suffered a self-inflicted knife wound to his neck and was being treated at a Globe area medical facility.

Matracia will then be booked into the Gila County Jail on charges of Unlawful Flight and Endangerment.

There is no word yet on charges Matracia may face from Phoenix police on the original tow truck robbery.

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