Man in custody following hit-and-run, trespassing


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SOUTH JORDAN — A man is in custody after fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run Saturday morning, as well as a separate trespassing incident, police said.

A man, identified by police as Landon Terry Defa, 33, of West Jordan, was allegedly traveling on 11400 South near 4150 West at around 4:57 a.m. Saturday morning when his Ford F-150 left the roadway, running through a vinyl fence and rolling over into the back yard of a residence, according to a press release from the South Jordan Police Department. No other vehicles were involved, and by the time officers arrived on the scene, Defa had fled, leaving his driver’s license in the vehicle.

At about 11:23 a.m., South Jordan officers were contacted by Utah County Sheriff deputies regarding a suspect in custody in Eagle Mountain after being found hiding in the trunk of a vehicle that originated in South Jordan. The suspect in question was Defa, according to police.

Officers took Defa into custody, at which time he admitted to being the driver of the truck and claimed he was “running for his life.” According to police, Defa stated that he fled the crash scene on foot, entered a garage, and hid inside the trunk of a vehicle, owned by an unidentified individual, until located by officers. Defa also admitted to using heroin, police say.

Defa was taken to a local hospital for treatment after complaining of injuries. He was issued a summons on charges of reckless driving, hit-and-run and trespassing. Defa also has a criminal history related to drugs, DUI, assault, unlawful detention and robbery, according to police.

“We are very fortunate that the suspect was only seeking a hiding spot,” said Master Officer Samuel Winkler, South Jordan Police Department. “This could have been a serious and tragic scenario if this suspect had intentions of stealing this vehicle or harming this individual. It’s a great reminder to double-check that all doors and windows to your residence are secured at night.”

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Ben Dowsett

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