Man accused of speeding past officer, faces multiple charges

A man was arrested Tuesday after Maricopa officers say he drove past them in Rancho El Dorado at nearly 80 mph in a 25 mph zone, and then reversing toward the patrol car.

Richard Diggs, 59, faces charges of aggravated driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving with revoked license, criminal speed and spiritous liquor in vehicle. Diggs was booked into Pinal County Jail on those charges, where he remained as of Wednesday afternoon, according to online records. 

According to the probable cause statement: 

At about 2 a.m., a vehicle, driven by Diggs, had passed a Maricopa Police Officer at about 80 mph in a clearly marked 25 mph residential area, in Rancho El Dorado. 

While the officer attempted  to catch up to Diggs, the suspect stopped in the middle of the road and began to accelerate in reverse “at a high rate of speed” toward the officer’s patrol car.  

A traffic stop was conducted near West Rancho El Dorado Parkway and North Reis Drive. 

Police contacted Diggs, who appeared to be impaired and admitted to drinking alcohol. 

A records check showed that Diggs has a revoked Colorado drivers license and is listed as a “Habitual Traffic Offender.” 

During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers found a half-empty bottle of Bulleit 95 Rye Frontier Whiskey. 

Officers conducted two breath tests on Diggs, with results of .111 and .112, both above the .08 limit at which a driver is presumed impaired in Arizona.