A fatal incident disrupted the Poplar Grove neighborhood on a busy Saturday evening when, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department, 24-year-old Colby Bia allegedly ran a red light, initiating a three-vehicle crash that resulted in one fatality. The Salt Lake City Police Department divulged that the accident occurred at the crossroads of 900 West and 200 South around 7:16 p.m. on Saturday, and multiple 911 calls reached SLC911 about the crash. The collision claimed the life of 42-year-old Ernesto Puga at the scene and inflicted serious but non-life-threatening injuries on a juvenile passenger, with two others treated and then released on site, as reported by SLCPD.
Further investigation at the scene led officers to discover several open alcohol containers in Bia’s car, which supports the suspicion of DUI. The SLCPD proceeded with an investigation into Bia's state and responsiveness, as he exhibited signs of impairment, eventually obtaining a court-authorized search warrant to get a blood sample. When Bia resisted the blood draw, restraint became necessary before booking him into Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a slate of charges. These include automobile homicide, DUI with prior convictions, and more, according to SLCPD.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the SLCPD’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (CAR) Unit has taken the helm of the investigation. Known for their expertise in dealing with serious crashes, CAR detectives meticulously map crash scenes and analyze all possible factors, including vehicle dynamics and evidence, to ensure thorough investigations are juxtaposed with the complexities of justice.
