Glendale woke up to tragedy last week when a routine drive turned deadly at one of the city’s busy intersections. A two-vehicle crash just after sunrise claimed the life of 65-year-old Terry Harris, leaving investigators sorting through the final moments that led to the collision.
Police say it happened shortly before 6:30 a.m. on January 23 at the intersection of 51st Avenue and Peoria Avenue. Emergency crews rushed in after reports of a serious wreck involving two passenger vehicles. The scene quickly made clear this was no minor fender-bender.
According to investigators, a Chrysler sedan was traveling east on Peoria Avenue. At the same time, a Ford SUV was attempting to make a left turn onto 51st Avenue. Police believe both vehicles entered the intersection against a traffic signal, a critical detail now at the center of the investigation.
Terry Harris was behind the wheel of the Ford SUV. He was pulled from the wreckage and taken to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. Despite efforts by medical staff, Harris later died. Police confirmed his identity and said his family has been notified as the department continues its work.
The driver of the Chrysler also suffered injuries and was transported to the hospital. That driver survived and was later released. Officers have not named that individual and said no charges have been announced yet.
Glendale police say the case remains active. Investigators are reviewing traffic signal data, vehicle movements, and conditions at the intersection at the time of the crash. They are also collecting witness statements and examining vehicle data to piece together exactly what went wrong.
For hours after the collision, traffic was disrupted as crews cleared debris and made the area safe again. Drivers were urged to avoid the intersection while officers worked the scene under the early morning light.
Police are using the crash as a reminder about the dangers of intersections, especially during early hours when visibility can be low and reactions slower. They say charges may still be filed once all evidence is reviewed and a full picture emerges.
For now, the investigation continues as a family mourns and a community is left with hard questions about a split second that changed lives forever.
