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PAYSON — A Payson family escaped injury after police say a Salem man crashed a stolen car into their home early Sunday.
Police say the driver was impaired and fled the scene on foot about 12:15 a.m. after the crash, but was arrested about an hour later in nearby Elkridge township.
Tryston Robert Erickson, 19, of Salem, was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended or revoked license, possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to remain at the scene of an accident.
He was on probation for committing similar crimes last year.
The car Erickson was driving Sunday had been stolen from his father's residence in Salem, a police affidavit states.
Erickson was transported to a hospital where sobriety tests were conducted. Police said he showed signs of impairment.
Doug Turpin, whose family is renting the house at 97 N. 100 West, said the structure was significantly damaged.
"The whole north side of house is all cracked and crumbling and falling apart," he said.
When the car struck the house, "it just sounded like something crashed and something falling down. I heard my wife screaming. That was the part that freaked me out most, just hearing her scream," Turpin said.
He said his family were attempting to collect their belongings Sunday and find another place to live.
"He's (the driver) got worse consequences than I do, but it's still inconvenience for us," Turpin said. "We'll figure things out. We always do."
Erickson has faced similar accusations before. In June, police investigating a burglary found Erickson driving a stolen vehicle and he ran off while being arrested, charging documents state. Police said he tested positive for amphetamines, methamphetamines and marijuana.
In that case he pleaded guilty to attempted theft, driving with a measurable controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a financial transaction card as part of a plea bargain. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 36 months of probation.
Court records indicate he violated the terms of his probation at least three times since his August sentencing and three warrants were issued for his arrest. In the latest sentence last month for parole violation, 4th District Judge Darold McDade sentenced him to 60 days in jail, but allowed Erickson "to serve the sentence on GPS through the jail," a court docket states.
Erickson was wearing an ankle monitor provided by the jail when he was arrested Sunday, according to Payson police.
Contributing: Ashton Goodell
