title: “Teen found dead in vehicle on Phoenix-area freeway, police say” url: “https://www.azfamily.com/2026/10/18/teen-found-dead-vehicle-phoenix-area-freeway-police-say/” author: “Mitchell Koch”

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — An investigation is underway after a teenage boy was found dead in a vehicle overnight Friday on an East Valley freeway.

Mesa police said Salt River Police Department officers responded to the Loop 101 Pima Freeway at Chapparal Road for reports of a shooting around 1:40 a.m. on Friday.

When they got to the scene, police found a 16-year-old boy dead in a vehicle. Initial evidence found suggested the boy was shot and killed, Mesa police said.

The teen has not been publicly identified, and police did not provide any possible suspect information.

A 16-year-old was found shot dead in a vehicle on the Loop 101 Pima Freeway at Chapparal Road.(ADOT)

The incident is under active investigation by the Mesa Police Department.

No additional details were provided.

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