Mesa law enforcement officials have announced a heightened focus on traffic safety following a fatal crash that occurred Friday morning at the intersection of Recker and Main streets. The collision resulted in the death of 79-year-old Karen Kae, prompting police to urge drivers to exercise greater caution at city intersections.
According to investigators, the incident involved a truck driven by Caesar Miguel Zalava-Soso, who ran a red light and struck Kae’s vehicle from behind. Zalava-Soso is currently facing a manslaughter charge in connection with the crash. The impact was described by neighbors as severe, with reports indicating the victim’s car was split in two.
Mesa Police Det. Robert Katz stated that the department is intensifying its efforts to target red-light runners and other aggressive drivers. Data from the past three months shows that officers have issued more than 100 additional citations and warnings compared to the same period last year. These figures do not include violations recorded by automated red-light and speed cameras.
Authorities noted that intersections such as Recker and Main present particular dangers. With the July Fourth holiday approaching, police indicated that enforcement will remain a top priority to deter reckless driving and prevent further tragedies. Mesa is located approximately 16 miles northwest of Queen Creek.
