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WEST VALLEY CITY — A man led police on a chase Monday morning, hitting a car and fleeing on foot before officers arrested him.
Around 4:30 a.m., police suspected a driver was under the influence when they spotted a Mustang driving 10 to 15 mph under the speed limit, according to Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal. Officers attempted to pull over the driver, Victor Padilla Garza, 19, when Garza took off in the car.
During the pursuit, Garza crashed into another car near 4600 South and 4015 West, Hoyal said. Police believe the crash was intentional. No one was hurt in the accident.
"At that point in time because of the reckless nature of this driver and because of the aggressive action he had taken, they continued to pursue," Hoyal said.
The chase continued for a few blocks to 4680 W. 4225 South, with vehicle speeds around 40 to 45 mph. Garza drove over a dirt embankment before crashing his vehicle in a field. He then fled on foot and began knocking on doors in the neighborhood, "asking for a ride, asking if he could use the restroom," the lieutenant said.
One man told Garza to come inside his home, sit down and wait for police. Garza complied.
Police discovered that the man was not under the influence, but was fleeing because there was an outstanding warrant for possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony, according to Hoyal.
Garza was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on the warrant and for investigation of fleeing police and aggravated assault.
"We're very happy that this came to a safe and peaceful resolution with nobody being hurt," Hoyal said.
