Homicide (Road Rage) - Arrest

    On January 11^th, 2020 Mesa Police Detectives responded to a hit and run incident at 825 S Alma School in Mesa. Victim 1 and Victim 2 were traveling together in their vehicle when a road rage incident occurred, and Victim 2 was purposely run over by the suspect.     

    The investigation revealed the defendant (later identified as Frank Lawrence) was driving a white Dodge Ram pickup truck northbound on Alma School from Southern when he drifted into the Victim’s lane causing Victim 1 to honk at the Lawrence. Lawrence began to drive erratically moving in and out of three lanes of traffic causing Victim 2 to use his cell phone to record the incident.

    Victim 1 drove her vehicle into the apartment complex driveway at 825 S Alma School where Lawrence followed and eventually confronted Victim 1 while she was sitting in her vehicle. Lawrence punched Victim 1 through the open car window causing Victim 2 to exit his vehicle and video record Lawrence and his vehicle for evidence. Lawrence then fled the scene as Victim 2 ran after to record the license plate of the vehicle. Victim 2 ran into the roadway on Alma School as Lawrence sped away and then abruptly did a u-turn and drove past Victim 2 and then turned again intentionally driving right at Victim 2 striking him with the vehicle.

    Lawrence made no attempt to stop and fled the scene. Victim 2 was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Victim 2 has been identified as 22 year old James Ackerman Jr.

    Investigators were able to use cell phone footage from Ackerman, Surveillance footage from the area, and multiple investigative tools to obtain search warrants and ultimately identify Lawrence as the driver that day. This investigation and subsequent arrest are the direct result of hours of committed investigation by multiple individuals and units within the Mesa Police Department.

    Frank Lawrence was booked and charged on 09/30/2020 with one count of First Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Leaving the scene of a fatal accident.