A man is facing charges in connection with a fatal collision in north Phoenix.
The incident happened around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 near 51st Avenue and Union Hills Drive.
Phoenix police said a Chevrolet Cruze, driven by Matthew Scott Schwartz, 33, was traveling southbound on 51st and collided with the back of a Ford Focus, driven by Anthony Naccarelli, 22. The collision forced Mr. Naccarelli’s vehicle into a traffic light pole.
He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police said the Chevrolet stopped and the engine compartment caught fire. Mr. Schwartz only had minor injuries and remained on scene. Police said he showed signs of impairment and was booked on one count of manslaughter.
Court records state officers found multiple types of medication inside Mr. Schwartz's vehicle, including one that causes drowsiness.
"Under Miranda the defendant made admissions to using heroin and driving home from a friend's [sic] house," a probable cause statement says.
Mr. Schwartz was jailed without bond due to being on felony release. He is due in court Jan. 3 and 7.
The investigation is ongoing.