A family that had just changed a flat tire on U.S. 60 near Higley Road was struck by an eastbound vehicle at about 1:01 a.m. on Sept. 16, killing 82-year-old Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela and critically injuring two relatives. Authorities arrested 21-year-old Zachary Robert Penrod and charged him with manslaughter, aggravated assault and endangerment. Prosecutors say his blood-alcohol concentration was at least 2.5 times Arizona’s legal limit; investigators say he had been drinking at a Tempe bar before the crash. The crash and a separate liquor investigation are ongoing.
Grandmother Killed on Arizona Freeway After Family Stops to Change Tire; Suspected Drunk Driver Charged
Image Credit: Arizona Department of Public Safety.
A family that had just finished changing a flat tire on U.S. 60 near Higley Road was preparing to leave when an eastbound vehicle struck two stopped cars on the shoulder, killing an 82-year-old woman and injuring two others, authorities said.
Crash Details and Victim
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the collision occurred at about 1:01 a.m. on Sept. 16. The woman who died was identified as 82-year-old Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela, according to Arizona's Family after speaking with her grandson, Javier Valenzuela. Two other relatives were transported to hospital with critical and serious injuries.
Suspect, Charges and Investigation
DPS arrested 21-year-old Zachary Robert Penrod of Queen Creek and booked him into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Jail on one count of manslaughter, two counts of aggravated assault and one count of endangerment. The agency’s Vehicular Crimes Unit continues to investigate the collision. Prosecutors say Penrod’s blood-alcohol concentration was at least 2.5 times the legal limit in Arizona (the state’s DUI threshold is 0.08 within two hours of driving).
Alcohol Inquiry and Bar Connection
The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control assisted DPS detectives with a search warrant at a Tempe bar. Investigators determined Penrod had been physically present and consumed alcohol there before driving, the agency told FOX 10 Phoenix. Court records reported by Arizona’s Family say Penrod told investigators he had three beers at a Tempe bar prior to the crash. Those findings do not by themselves prove the bar caused the crash or violated liquor laws; the liquor inquiry is a separate evidentiary track from the criminal case.
Background on the Bar
Reporting identified Tempe Tavern as the bar involved. The business had already faced regulatory scrutiny: a December 2025 City of Tempe operation found 249 underage patrons inside the establishment, and an earlier operation in April 2025 led to nearly 170 arrests. By March 2026, a state liquor investigator reportedly recommended permanent revocation of Tempe Tavern’s liquor license after probing alleged violations. Tempe Tavern has denied some allegations and said government agencies unfairly targeted it. An attorney for the tavern said the business decided to close at the start of September — before the Sept. 16 crash — and that staff and vendors had been told Sept. 16 would be its final day. Administrative proceedings involving the tavern may continue despite the closure.
Current Status
FOX 10 reported that Penrod has since posted bond and been released from custody. His release does not resolve the criminal allegations. The crash remains under investigation, and Penrod is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Note: All details above reflect reports from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, local outlets (FOX 10 Phoenix, Arizona's Family, ABC15), and statements from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Investigations are ongoing and facts may be updated as new information becomes available.
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