Man leads UHP on multiple chases before being arrested

Man leads UHP on multiple chases before being arrested

(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News, File)


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TOOELE — A man who led authorities on several high speed chases to avoid being arrested — even driving at one point the wrong way on I-80 with no headlights at night — was eventually captured by troopers late Saturday.

Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Prescott said troopers were first alerted to Patrick T. Hess, 25, of Murray, when they received reports of a man in a Ford Explorer who couldn't stay in his lane and was driving recklessly on I-80 near Lake Point about 10:15 p.m.

A trooper spotted the vehicle at a gas station in Lake Point, Prescott said. Hess fled and the trooper followed, but was forced to call off the pursuit when Hess made a U-turn and drove into oncoming traffic, he said.

A short time later, another trooper along I-80 spotted Hess again, this time going the correct direction. The ensuing pursuit reached speeds of 100 mph, Prescott said, before Hess crossed the median and began driving into oncoming traffic, this time with his headlights off.

The Explorer was spotted a third time a little later, again on I-80 going the right direction. Speeds during that chase reached 90 mph, Prescott said. Troopers were forced to again terminate the pursuit when Hess got off the freeway and sped toward Grantsville.

The next time Hess was spotted on I-80, troopers had road spikes ready and the UHP helicopter in the air. As Hess approached the Lake Point exit, both of his left tires were spiked. Hess made it to a motel parking lot where he tried to get out and run but was quickly arrested, the sergeant said.

Hess was arrested for investigation of a number of charges, including fleeing and DUI, according to Prescott.

Court records show Hess has a lengthy criminal history, including theft and drug related charges filed in 3rd District Court on Aug. 31, and forgery and fleeing charges filed on Aug. 5. In January, Hess was charged with several counts of theft by receiving stolen property. A warrant was issued for his arrest on Sept. 19 for failing to show up to a mandatory court hearing, court records state.

In 2014, Hess was convicted of felony drug possession and sentenced to a year in jail. He was also sentenced to a year in jail for felony drug possession in 2013, court records state. Hess had another felony drug-related conviction in 2011.

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