By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Law enforcement officers are looking for information
leading to the arrest of an individual who evaded officers
following a high speed chase through residential streets in
Nephi.
The chase took place at 8:30 p.m., a time when many
individuals are still out traveling along city streets and
are along city sidewalks.
Juab County Deputy Sheriff Cody Laird, investigating
officer, said he is hoping that someone witnessed the chase
and saw the individual and his motorcycle beforehand and
will be willing to come forward.
"Because of the suspect's total disregard for the
safety of residents of the community, and the time of the
event," said Laird, "the decision was made to abandon the
chase before the suspect was apprehended."
The abandoned motorcycle was later discovered at a
local motel.
"We are hoping that any witnesses who saw the suspect
motorcycle which was black with chrome trim and the suspect
who was wearing a black leather jacket and appeared to be a
male, call and report what they saw," he said.
Anyone who noticed anything suspicious or who thinks
they may know the individual who was involved in the
incident is encouraged to call the Juab County Sheriff's
office at 623-1344 and report what they observed. Any clue
will be appreciated.
Laird said he was traveling southbound along Nephi's
Main Street on Friday, Nov. 23, when he spotted a northbound
black motorcycle at 100 North Main, near the city police
department. The individual driving the motorcycle was
speeding so Laird made a U-turn and attempted to stop the
vehicle.
"I thought the driver of the bike was going to stop
because the vehicle started to pull into the right hand
lane," said Laird.
However, the biker did not stop but continued north at
an increasing rate of speed. Near the park, the bike passed
two northbound cars by moving to the edge of the street and
close to the sidewalk. The motorcycle then began traveling
east on 700 North.
The suspect vehicle continued eastbound along 700
North. At that point, Officer Mike Tischner, responded to
Laird's call for back-up assistance and he and Laird tried
to box the suspect in and force him to stop.
"We were reaching speeds of 70 mph in a residential
area," said Laird.
The suspect evaded the two officers and headed
southbound on 400 East still traveling at speeds exceeding
70 mph.
Laird said other sheriff's deputies, Nephi City Police
officers, and Utah Highway Patrol troopers responded to the
call for assistance and Sheriff David Carter was called on
to supervise law enforcement actions.
"As we were traveling along one of the streets, I
noticed a child on the side of the road," he said. "The most
disturbing thing, to me, was that the suspect refused to
stop for a simple traffic violation and instead drove with
recklessness, was out of control, and jeopardized the safety
of residents of the community by his actions."
At the intersection of 100 North and 400 East, the
driver was speeding so fast that he jumped both lanes of
traffic. Two drivers of cars in the intersection had to take
extreme action to avoid the near accident which, Laird said,
further jeopardized the public.
Laird said, as the bike landed, sparks shot out and
for a minute it appeared the driver would lose control,
however, after a few seconds the driver was able to proceed
in fleeing officers.
The suspect then fled south on 400 East, turned at 200
South and traveled eastbound once again. He traveled
southeast near the Mountain Shadows apartment area of the
community and appeared to leave the road in the field area
of the community to the side of the freeway.
"The decision was made to abandon the chase before
further endangering residents of the community," said
Laird.
The following morning, Saturday, what officers believe
may have been the motorcycle used in the incident was found
behind the Safari Motel.
The investigation is continuing, said Laird, but
officers need the help of residents in bringing the suspect
to justice.
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