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Sandra Yi reportingThree car theft suspects led police on a high speed chase through a Salt Lake City neighborhood.
It took a while, but the three men are now in police custody following the chase.
The incident started at the Allstar Motel near 700 W. North Temple. An officer with the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division was on routine patrol, looking for stolen cars. He saw three men working under the hood of a stolen car and called for backup.
Kent Jorgensen, Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division: "When the backup officer got there, the suspect recognized his car as a police car and jumped in their car and tried to bolt."
The backup officer tried to block the suspects with his car, but instead of stopping, they swerved and rammed into the officer's car.
The suspects did whatever they could to get away. The driver evaded an officer then rammed the stolen car into a police car.
Kent Jorgensen, Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division: "Instead of stopping or turning around or going the other way, it swerved and swerved back and hit the officers' car."
The driver, identified as Richard Stephens, led police on a 14-minute chase through several neighborhoods. Witnesses say the driver was going fast and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Police caught up to the men at 800 West and 200 North. The passengers were arrested, but Stephens continued to run. John Crump was outside.
John Crump: "This dude was running around out here. I went out to take my garbage, the next thing I know, the dude ran into my apartment. Yeah, he was like, 'hide me out, hide me out.'"
Police found Stephens hiding in the bathroom shower.
John Crump: "I was just thinking there's never a dull moment in this neighborhood, I'm beginning to."
The driver was arrested for auto theft, evading and officer, aggravated assault and burglary. His passenger and a woman who was at the motel were arrested for outstanding warrants.
