Unlicensed driver accused of going nearly 80 mph in 35 zone, running red light before deadly crash

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — An unlicensed driver was allegedly going over double the speed limit and ran a red light moments before a deadly crash last week in the Phoenix area.

According to Phoenix police, Selene Garcia Telix, 18, was arrested in connection with Friday’s deadly crash.

Officers said Telix was heading eastbound in a Buck LaCrosse when she ran a red light and hit a Chevy Cruze that was going through the intersection on a green light.

The Chevy driver, 75-year-old John Conway, was rushed to the hospital and later died.

New court documents state that moments before the crash, Telix sideswiped another vehicle and didn’t stop. The driver reported that Telix hit his Dodge Charger and then sped off before witnessing the deadly collision not long after.

Investigators reviewed traffic camera footage, which they said showed the light was red for seven seconds before Telix ran the light.

In an interview with police, Telix reportedly said she was on the phone and talking while driving and didn’t remember passing the intersections.

Investigators say Telix also admitted she has never had a driver’s license or permit in Arizona.

According to court documents, police obtained data from Telix’s Buick, which showed that she was going 77 mph less than a second before the crash. Authorities said the speed limit along that stretch of road is 35 mph.

Telix was booked on one count of reckless manslaughter, one count of leaving the scene of an accident and a charge of an accident involving death with a revoked or suspended license.

The 18-year-old was booked into the Maricopa County jail.