UHP to question juvenile who crashed vehicle in Murray; handgun, heroin found

Utah Highway Patrol troopers found a handgun, heroin, marijuana inside a car a teenager had crashed after fleeing from officials even though they were not pursuing him. Photo: Gephardt Daily/Monico Garza

MURRAY, Utah, March 14, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah Highway Patrol troopers found a handgun, heroin and marijuana inside a car a teenager had crashed after fleeing from officials even though they were not pursuing him.

UHP Sgt. Brent Shelby told Gephardt Daily that at approximately midnight Tuesday, two troopers observed a vehicle run a stop light at 5300 South and Commerce Drive (300 West).

“They tried to attempt to make a traffic stop on that vehicle, the vehicle fled that traffic stop and troopers did not pursue,” Shelby said.

“As they proceeded eastbound, they located the vehicle a couple of minutes later, crashed. The suspect then fled on foot through this area.”

Shelby said the suspect had driven a couple of miles before he tried to make a turn onto State Street and go south, and was not able to do that because of speed. The suspect car jumped the cement barrier; the vehicle is totaled.

Shelby said officials believe they know the 17-year-old suspect’s identity and will do a follow up and bring him in for questioning.

“He went from a traffic offense to committing a felony by fleeing the traffic stop, as well as other offenses that occurred between then and now,” Shelby added. “He hit the center median and we are very fortunate we didn’t have a bad crash with him fleeing from this traffic stop. Troopers again did not pursue and he just continued to flee even after they’d turned their lights off and shut down from trying to do the traffic stop.”

It does not appear the teen had warrants out previously.

When searching the car, troopers found a handgun as well as marijuana and heroin.

Troopers have not publicly identified the teen.

Anyone who saw any part of the incident is asked to call the UHP on 801-887-3800. Callers may remain anonymous.

 

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