Update: Man, 18, arrested for DUI after 4-vehicle crash in downtown Salt Lake City

Photo: Gephardt Daily/ Patrick Benedict

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 25, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — An 18-year-old man was arrested and released after a four-car collision Friday night.

Charging documents, filed by a Salt Lake City Police officer, say Cesar Daniel Rojas was traveling north on State Street, approaching 400 South, when the collision occurred.

“There were several other northbound vehicles at the light,” charging documents say. Rojas “was heard accelerating just prior to the crash. (His) vehicle struck the back of a northbound passenger car causing it to roll over, and then struck two other vehicles prior to coming to a rest.”

Rojas’ “breath smelled of an alcoholic beverage, and he admitted to consuming three shots of tequila prior to leaving the house. (He) stated he intended to continue northbound on State Street to a hang out location on North Temple.”

Rojas was given a standardized field sobriety test at the scene.

He “showed several clues of impairment to include, lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, distinct and sustained nystagmus at max deviation in both eyes, and onset prior to 45 degrees in both eyes. VGN was also noted. I also noticed he was unable to maintain balance, started too soon, missed heal to toe, stopped, improper turn, improper number of steps, put foot down, and swayed during the walk and turn and the one leg stand test.”

A breath chemical test “showed positive for alcohol above the legal limit,” the arrest document says, adding that Rojas “is a minor who caused an injury crash while intoxicated.”

Utah’s legal drinking age is 21.

The impact caused severe damage to the car, which then overturned, a SLCPD PR statement says. The 22-year-old woman in the car that overturned received minor injuries, and later went to a hospital for evaluation.

“Two other cars at the intersection sustained secondary impacts resulting from the initial crash,” the statement says.

Rojas was arrested for investigation of two alleged class A misdemeanors: driving under the influence, first offense in 10 years; and negligently operating a vehicle resulting in injury.

Court documents say Rojas was released without bail on condition he agree to terms, including he show up for court dates to be scheduled.

Photo: Gephardt Daily/ Samuel Price

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here