Tragedy averted: UHP troopers stop DUI suspect driving wrong way on I-80

A Utah Highway Patrol cruiser was heavily damaged while forcing a wrong-way driver to stop on I-80 early Monday morning. Photo: UHP

SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Dec 12, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — UHP troopers averted a possible tragedy early Monday morning after stopping a suspected DUI driver headed the wrong way on Interstate 80

Utah Highway Patrol investigators told Gephardt Daily the wrong-way vehicle was first reported driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-80 about 1:21 a.m.

Troopers spotted the vehicle moments later on I-80 in the vicinity of 5600 West and followed it to near the Wright Brothers Drive exit where they intentionally rear-ended the suspect’s car, forcing it stop in a so-called PIT maneuver.

Photo: UHP
Photo UHP

Both the UHP patrol car and the suspect’s vehicle were damaged in the 50 mph crash, although there were no reports of injuries.

Investigators say the driver of the suspect vehicle was “not compliant” while being placed in custody and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here