Police chase reaches speeds over 100 mph

By Pat Reavy | Posted - Nov. 22, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

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WEST VALLEY CITY — Four people were arrested following a beer theft and high speed chase in a stolen car Monday night.

Now, police are trying to determine if the group can be connected to any other recent car thefts in the Salt Lake Valley.

About 10:30 p.m. Monday, a West Valley police officer spotted a car driving recklessly near 3100 South and 2700 West, said West Valley Police Sgt. Mike Powell. The car also matched the description of one used in a beer theft in Murray on Monday as well as being listed as a stolen vehicle, he said.

The driver refused to pull over and a chase ensued. The high-speed chase went onto SR-201, I-15 and ended near Redwood Road and 700 North when an officer conducted a PIT maneuver, disabling the vehicle, Powell said. Prior to that, officers had tried using tire spikes, but the driver maneuvered around them.

The driver ran off but was quickly chased down and arrested. Three other people in the car, including one female and a juvenile, did not run and were taken into custody. At least two of the occupants were related, he said. At least one person was arrested on outstanding warrants.

West Valley Police Lt. Kent Stokes said the chase reached speeds of 110 mph on the freeway. Because traffic was light at the time, the chase was not called off, Powell said.

The driver was identified as 23-year-old Darren Zahney. He was arrested for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing.

According to Utah State Court records, Zahney has pleaded guilty to: