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.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC