El Mirage man arrested after police chase

An El Mirage man was arrested after officers from six law enforcement agencies engaged in a freeway car chase and then pursued him on foot through an El Mirage neighborhood, police said.

Burnell Turner, 57, was arrested Thursday night at about 10 p.m. and is expected to face six felony charges and two misdemeanor charges related to the chase and possession of drugs, according to law enforcement.

Turner was first stopped Thursday traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 near State Route 85 after his black Chevrolet pick-up truck was reported drifting over lanes and swerving, according to court documents.

During the traffic stop, the officer reported noticing the smell of alcohol on his breath. Turner reported that he had had two beers, according to court documents.

The officer then asked Turner to get out of his car and stand next to his patrol car, which he did, but then Turner put his hands in his pockets, police said. The officer ordered him to stop, and Turner began to walk and then sprint back toward his car, according to court records.

Turner got back in his car and sped off, and the officer pursued, later being joined by police from a total of six agencies, police said.

At one point, Turner stopped his truck near 127th Avenue and Myer Lane and a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputy got out of his car to apprehend Turner, according to court record. Turner then accelerated and nearly hit the deputy, who jumped out of the way, police said.

Turner then drove into an El Mirage neighborhood near 127th Avenue and Aster Drive, got out of his truck and was arrested after a short chase on foot, according to court records. While Turner was being detained, he dropped a baggie containing small white rocks which later tested positive as being cocaine, police said.

Turner was taken to the hospital after he complained of chest pains and was later booked into jail, according to court record.

He is expected to face charges including aggravated assault, narcotic drug and paraphernalia possession, driving under the influence, unlawful flight from law enforcement and resisting arrest.

Turner's secured appearance bond was set at $12,000 and his first court date was scheduled for the morning of July 30.