Local Hero Hunts Down Hit-and-Run Driver: A Story of Bravery

In a heroic act on February 18, 2025, Leigh Osiensky, a resident of Santa Rosa Springs, pursued a hit-and-run driver after a tragic accident on John Wayne Parkway. The incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. at the Bowlin Road intersection when a pickup truck collided with a car carrying two adults and four children.

The ages of the children, who were in the vehicle at the time, range from 1 to 13, with the youngest secured in a car seat. Witnessing the chaotic aftermath, Osiensky decided to take action. “When I saw him leaving the accident, he was fishtailing all over the road,” he recounted. “I deduced that he was in the hit, and he’s running.”

Osiensky quickly jumped on his Kawasaki motorcycle in an effort to track down the fleeing vehicle. “I got nothing better to do. Let me follow this guy and see what’s going on and maybe I can assist somehow,” he remarked. As he chased the driver, Osiensky observed the truck run a red light and noted its tires had been stripped to the rim, leaving a trail of debris behind.

“His truck is smoking, he’s jumping all over the place,” Osiensky said, describing the driver’s erratic behavior. The chase continued as the truck turned onto Edison Road, cutting off lanes of traffic, prompting other drivers to honk and brake. Osiensky attempted to alert drivers to clear the way while maintaining his pursuit.

When the truck disappeared from view, Osiensky had to get creative. “I smell the smoke, and so I’m like, he came down here for sure. I’m following him while there’s cops going the other direction,” he detailed. After finally managing to flag down a police officer, Osiensky relayed the truck’s direction, leading to an eventual police interception.

Maricopa police apprehended the suspect along State Route 238 near Green Road. The driver, whose name has not been released, faces multiple charges, including endangerment, reckless driving, DUI, and failure to stop after an accident. He was arrested and taken to Pinal County jail.

Witnesses describe the driver as an older man with white hair wearing a cowboy hat. Reflecting on the incident, Osiensky expressed concerns about road safety, particularly for motorcyclists. “It’s pretty unsafe for drivers out here. Nobody is paying attention. Everybody’s speeding,” he cautioned.