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KEARNS — A chase between a suspected carjacker and police ended in a crash into a front yard Sunday night.
The owner of the car met with the suspected carjacker, Sam Aina, 22, near 4800 West and 4700 South about 6 p.m. when Aina pulled out a knife and demanded money, Unified police detective Chuck Malm said.
When the driver said he didn't have any money, Aina made him drive to a business near 5400 South. Aina left the driver there, taking his car, Malm said.
Police believe the two may have been acquainted, but they're still investigating the relationship.
The owner of the car called 911. Police responded to the store and determined the vehicle had an active GPS system, Malm said. Using it, officers determined the car was in Salt Lake City, and they contacted Salt Lake police.
Salt Lake police located the car near North Temple and Redwood Road, and Aina fled. Officers pursued the car into Kearns, where Unified police joined the chase, Malm said. Aina lost control of the car near 4015 W. 5085 South.
Aina attempted briefly to flee on foot but surrendered without incident when police cornered him in a nearby backyard, Malm said.
Aina was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail in connection with aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, fleeing and threats. At the time of his arrest, he had outstanding warrants in connection with aggravated assault and not having a driver's license.
According to Utah court records, Aina is also facing an assault charge filed in May, a class B misdemeanor, and pleaded guilty in August to attempted aggravated assault, a class A misdemeanor.
Contributing: Nicole Vowell
