Phoenix Approves Settlement After Police SUV Crash Injures Passenger

Mahamat Abakar was sitting as a passenger in a Honda sedan on March 14, 2025, when a Phoenix Police Department SUV driven by Officer Joshua Allen Woodcock collided with the vehicle at 72 mph near Buckeye Road and the I-17 Black Canyon Access Road, according to a police report cited by AZ Family.

The Phoenix City Council has approved a $175,000 settlement to resolve a lawsuit brought by Abakar over serious injuries he suffered in the south-central Phoenix crash. While city leaders resolved the financial claim through the settlement, the criminal case against the driver remains pending in court.

Police SUV Struck Sedan While Speeding

According to the police report, Woodcock was traveling between 86 and 89 mph on a stretch of road where the posted speed limit is 35 mph. Investigators stated the officer was driving more than 50 mph over the limit when he attempted to brake and steer away from traffic.

The police SUV struck the Honda sedan after the car had turned left to head northbound along the Black Canyon Access Road. Following the impact, the police vehicle crashed into a signal pole and a barrier before overturning, while the Honda appeared to spin out to a stop.

Grand Jury Indicts Woodcock on Felony Charges

Following an internal review, the Phoenix Police Department handed its findings over to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which returned an indictment charging Woodcock with two felony counts: aggravated assault and endangerment.

Court records show that Woodcock has entered a plea of not guilty to both felony charges. The criminal prosecution proceeds separately from the civil settlement approved by the city council.