An early morning crash in South Salt Lake spiraled into a chaotic car theft, and police say the 18-year-old suspect is still on the run.
Officers report that the teen was behind the wheel of a stolen 2019 Ford Fusion when he slammed into a concrete barrier near 3200 South and 900 West. A 70-year-old man stopped to help after the collision, but the situation quickly turned ugly. Police say the suspect jumped into the Good Samaritan's 2005 Chevrolet Malibu and sped off, heading north on 900 West. Investigators say the suspect appeared to be under the influence, and the search for him is ongoing.
According to KJZZ, the South Salt Lake Police Department sent out an attempt-to-locate alert to agencies across the Salt Lake Valley after the crash. The station reports that multiple 9-1-1 calls came in about the wreck, and detectives are still tracking down leads.
How To Report Tips To Police
The South Salt Lake Police Department is asking anyone with information or video to step forward, either through dispatch or anonymously online, according to South Salt Lake City. The department lists a non-emergency dispatch number at 801-840-4000. Tipsters can also text information to 274-637, starting the message with the keyword "SSLPD" to get it to investigators.
Fleeing Car Thefts Turning Deadly
Law enforcement across the valley has been dealing with a string of stolen cars and suspects who refuse to stop, sometimes with tragic results. In one March case in Ogden, a fleeing stolen vehicle collided with another car, killing an 11-year-old and injuring several others, as reported by Deseret News. Incidents like that underline how quickly a car theft or police response can become deadly for bystanders and first responders.
What Police Are Saying Now
So far, no arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains active, according to KJZZ. Anyone who saw the crash, captured footage near 3200 South and 900 West, or recognizes details from the incident is urged to call South Salt Lake's non-emergency dispatch line or use the department's online tip form.
