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WEST VALLEY CITY — A fugitive was arrested Wednesday after fleeing from officers, causing a four-car crash and then trying to carjack another vehicle, according to police.
Samuel Rodriguez-Garcia, 35, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated robbery, being a restricted person in possession of a gun, failing to stop at the command of police and failing to respond to an officer's signal to stop.
A woman who police say was with Rodriguez-Garcia, Krystal Corinne Rodriguez, 35, was also arrested for investigation of aggravated robbery, failing to stop at the command of police, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
On Wednesday, members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force were looking for Rodriguez-Garcia to arrest him and discovered he was driving a Range Rover Discovery.
"The vehicle was located and based on the violent history and recent fleeing cases for Samuel Rodriguez, tire deflation devices were deployed prior to attempting a traffic stop," according to a police booking affidavit.
The Utah Department of Public Safety's helicopter was also deployed to keep an eye on the Range Rover.
"A vehicle pursuit ensued and after several miles the vehicle came to a stop at a traffic light that was blocked by other occupied vehicles at 4100 S. Bangerter Highway," according to the affidavit.
Police say the Range Rover became stuck after causing a four-car crash.
Rodriguez-Garcia and Rodriguez then got out and ran, then attempted to carjack another vehicle, the affidavit states. The driver of that vehicle was forced to run away.
Rodriguez-Garcia and Rodriguez were able to enter the victim's car, just as pursuing officers approached them and "were forced to use physical force to remove him from the driver seat. While this was occurring, Samuel was able to put the vehicle into drive and he accelerated, causing the vehicle to move forward quickly and crash into a fence," the arrest report says.
Officers searched the Range Rover and reported finding a loaded gun in the center console.
"Samuel has demonstrated that he is a substantial danger to the community. Today he fled from police, caused a four-vehicle accident, engaged in a carjacking, attempted to run over a police officer, all while in possession of a firearm. Samuel is being investigated for discharging a firearm from a vehicle during an argument and has fled from police several times within the last 60 days. Samuel has several pending felony charges that are being reviewed by the district attorney's office," according to the affidavit.
Police say Rodriguez was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries following the "low-speed crash" before being booked into jail.
A warrant was issued in March for Rodriguez-Garcia in Davis County for allegedly fleeing from police, according to court records.
