Driver arrested in fiery crash in Mesa that left two people dead and another hospitalized

PHOENIX – The driver in a fiery crash in Mesa last week that left two people dead and another hospitalized has been arrested, authorities said Monday.

Brett Quadlin, 39, was arrested around 7:30 a.m. Friday for his involvement in the crash at the intersection of Country Club Drive and US 60 (Superstition Freeway), according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Quadlin was charged with manslaughter, endangerment, aggravated assault and leaving the scene of a fatal collision. DPS said impairment was suspected in the crash.

What happened in the violent crash in Mesa?

Quadlin allegedly rear-ended a red car that was stopped at a red light on the eastbound US 60 exit at Country Club Drive.

The car was pushed into a black SUV that was parked in front of it, and debris from the impact damaged a gray pickup truck that was also waiting at the stoplight, DPS said.

The two occupants of the red car, 48-year-old David Ortiz De Jesus and 46-year-old Yesenia Morales De Castillo, were pronounced dead at the scene. Quadlin and the driver of the black SUV were taken to a hospital to be treated for their injuries.

Since a pool cleaning truck was also in use, the firefighters also had to deal with a chemical accident.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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