Mayor Mark Freeman Helps Injured Teen After Hit-and-Run in Mesa
On a quiet Sunday afternoon in early March 2025, Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman and his wife LeeAnn were driving near McKellips and Gilbert roads when traffic began to slow. As they approached the area, they noticed a young woman lying in the street—injured and alone—after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.
Without hesitation, Mayor Freeman jumped into action. Drawing on his background as a firefighter and EMT, he assessed the teen’s injuries, contacted 911, and helped secure the scene while waiting for first responders to arrive. The 15-year-old had been riding a small motorbike when she was hit. She was later transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Freeman, a lifelong Mesa resident, downplayed the heroism. “It’s not about emotions,” he told reporters. “It’s about protecting and relying on your skill set to make sure the patient is taken care of correctly.” He emphasized that his instincts kicked in, and he was simply doing what he’s always believed in—serving and protecting his community.
The mayor also expressed his belief that EMT training should be a requirement for public officials. “It kind of parlays into being a mayor,” Freeman said. “It allows me to understand the things we do as elected officials to make our city strong and safe.”
The incident reflects Freeman’s hands-on approach to leadership—rooted in his upbringing in Mesa’s Lehi community and a lifetime of public service. For him, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up when it matters most.
Mesa police are continuing their investigation, and the young woman is expected to make a full recovery.