Carjacking Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Chase Across Valley

Mesa police release video of pursuit and apprehension of 20-year-old Thierry Muhire.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A carjacking suspect was arrested after a high-speed chase across the Phoenix metropolitan area last week, according to the Mesa Police Department. The incident began with a disturbance call and assault, leading to the theft of a white 2025 Kia K4 sedan. Police used a Grappler device to try stopping the vehicle on the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway, but the suspect continued driving at over 100 mph before being apprehended at an apartment complex in Phoenix.

Why it matters

Carjackings and high-speed pursuits pose significant risks to public safety, making this a concerning incident that highlights the need for effective law enforcement response and strategies to address such crimes in the Phoenix area.

The details

According to the report, the incident began around 4:30 p.m. on Friday when officers responded to a disturbance call at Main Street and Recker Road in Mesa. There, they found a victim with visible head and facial injuries who said an unknown man had assaulted him and stolen his white 2025 Kia K4 sedan. Police used a Grappler device, which shoots out a heavy-duty nylon net, in an attempt to stop the stolen vehicle on the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway, causing it to spin out and hit the median barrier. However, the device did not secure the vehicle, and the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Thierry Muhire, was able to continue fleeing at speeds over 100 mph. The Mesa Police Air Unit helicopter kept the vehicle in sight until Muhire stopped at an apartment complex in Phoenix, about 24 miles west of the original carjacking site. Muhire then exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but was apprehended by officers following the helicopter's directions.

  • The incident began around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • The chase and apprehension occurred on the same day, February 7, 2026.

The players

Thierry Muhire

A 20-year-old suspect who was arrested for robbery, burglary, assault, theft of means of transportation, unlawful flight from law enforcement, reckless driving, and probation violation.

Mesa Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial disturbance call, pursued the suspect, and ultimately apprehended him.

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What’s next

Muhire will face charges in court for the various crimes he committed during the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers of carjackings and high-speed pursuits, and the importance of effective law enforcement response and strategies to address such crimes in the Phoenix metropolitan area.