Tucson man faces charges after deadly crash on July 4th | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – An arrest has been made following a fatal car crash in Pima County.

On July 10, 2025, detectives from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) arrested 38-year-old John Christopher Taheny Jr. at a local hospital after an investigative follow-up, according to officials.

Officials said Taheny faces multiple charges including Second-Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated DUI, Prohibited Possession of a Firearm, Weapons Misconduct, Unlawful Flight, Endangerment, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The arrest stems from an incident on July 4, 2025, when deputies saw a vehicle speeding and swerving on Palo Verde Road around 3 a.m. Despite attempts to stop the vehicle, Taheny crashed the car into a tree after hitting a wall barrier and curb.

PCSD said all three occupants were transported to a local hospital. Two of the passengers sustained life-threatening injuries, while Taheny sustained serious injuries. 

On July 9, 2025, 40-year-old Chris Lopez died from his injuries. The other passenger remains in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to PCSD.

Authorities identified speed, impairment and not wearing seatbelts as contributing factors.