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GREEN RIVER, Emery County — A man who allegedly evaded police three times and drove the wrong direction on I-70 was arrested Tuesday after a manhunt by several agencies.
Dustin Adam Gunther, 22, was booked into the Emery County Jail for investigation of fleeing police, driving 45 mph over the speed limit, reckless driving and possessing a stolen vehicle.
Gunther was spotted about 1:45 a.m. driving a sedan west on eastbound I-70 near Green River, according to the Emery County Sheriff's Office. He was quickly pulled over by a deputy, said sheriff's spokeswoman Janalee Luke.
After Gunther was stopped, he fled on I-70, this time driving in the correct direction, Luke said. The deputy pursued him, but gave up the chase after Gunther reached 125 mph.
Gunther's car was soon spotted on U.S. 6, where a Utah Highway Patrol trooper began to chase him, Luke said. Gunther allegedly weaved in and out of oncoming traffic while fleeing the trooper, causing police to end their pursuit a second time.
A deputy found Gunther's car a short time later crashed on the side of the highway. Gunther allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and ran.
"For safety reasons, the deputy did not pursue the suspect on foot, but waited for backup from other agencies," Luke said.
Several agencies began a coordinated manhunt for Gunther. A helicopter belonging to the Utah Department of Public Safety was used to conduct a "night search," Luke said.
"Ground personnel began their search for Gunther at daybreak," she said.
A motorist called police shortly after the ground search began to say he saw a man walking near some railroad tracks on the west side of the highway. Deputies arrested Gunther about 8 a.m.
A handgun and several rounds of ammunition were found in the car that Gunther stole, Luke said. Gunther is also being investigated for alleged meth possession, driving on a revoked license and possessing a stolen firearm.
A search of court records shows Gunther has no adult criminal history in Utah.
