BUCKEYE, AZ (January 14, 2025): A traffic ticket turned into a felony arrest over the weekend after a driver sped away from a traffic stop, leaving his driver’s license behind and nearly hitting an officer.

Around 10 p.m. Saturday, January 11, a Buckeye police officer conducting traffic enforcement in the Verrado community clocked a Dodge Charger travelling southbound on Verrado Way near Western Dr at 75 miles an hour in a 40 MPH zone. The officer pulled over the Charger and advised the driver the reason for the traffic stop was for criminal speeding. The driver, 19-year-old Seth Rabago, provided his driver’s license, and the officer returned to their patrol vehicle. A second officer was speaking with Rabago, who was still seated in the Charger, when he suddenly sped off, nearly running over the officer.

While searching for the Charger, including checking the address listed on Rabago’s driver’s license, Buckeye police received a call from his family member saying Rabago wanted to turn himself in. Officers arrested and booked Rabago into jail on charges of speeding, unlawful flight and aggravated assault.

Buckeye police have been conducting enhanced traffic enforcement in the Verrado community in response to traffic concerns reported to police. Officers are on the lookout for all violations including speeding, rolling through stop signs and loud exhaust.