The chase began when cops saw a Chevy Trailblazer speeding on an interstate. When a deputy tried to pull the SUV over it took off, with someone inside throwing the large bales of pot out the window along the way.

One of the bundles exploded when it hit the road, covering the pursuing cruiser with pot. Pinal County Sheriff  Paul Babeu told AZCentral, "We caught these criminals who put our deputies and our local citizens in harm's way and now they will go to prison for their crimes."

Deputies used stop sticks to flatten the tires of the vehicle driven by Mario Perez-Paz  and Juan Aguilar-Zavala. The two tried to run but were quickly taken into custody. The arrest led to a home where nearly 400 pounds of weed was found and confiscated.

Investigators also found and arrested 20 undocumented immigrants.

About the Author

Featured

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC