An Arizona Highway Patrol trooper cited a driver for criminal speeding and reckless driving after he was clocked at 69 mph in a posted 25 mph construction zone on Halloween night, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The blue Chevrolet Camaro was heading westbound on Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway near Hartman Road in Maricopa last Friday when its driver nearly rear-ended and side-swiped another vehicle while attempting to pass in a single-lane construction zone, DPS troopers said.

The stretch of roadway, which has been the site of recent crashes and more serious alleged crimes, had just been covered with loose gravel earlier that day as part of an ongoing road maintenance project.

The driver later reportedly told troopers he was “late for work.”

Because of exigent circumstances, the man was cited for reckless driving and criminal speeding and released at the scene. His vehicle was impounded for 20 days, according to DPS.

Earlier that evening, troopers had joined local families at Maricopa Elementary School for a Trunk or Treat event, where they handed out candy, stickers and other items while promoting a safe environment for Halloween festivities.