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SALT LAKE CITY — A couple who allegedly fled from police before having their tires spiked, and then carjacked another vehicle to try and get away, is now facing criminal charges.
Samuel Rodriguez, 35, and his wife, Krystal Corinne Rodriguez, 35, were each charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony; and being a restricted person in possession of a weapon, a third-degree felony. Samuel Rodriguez received an additional charge of failing to respond to an officer's signal to stop, a third-degree felony.
On Wednesday, members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force were looking for Samuel Rodriguez, "who had fled from police at least three times in the last 60 days," according to charging documents. His vehicle was spotted near 1700 North and 2200 West.
"A (Department of Public Safety) helicopter maintained visual on the vehicle and officers deployed spike strips, which successfully deflated the driver's side front and rear tires," the charges state.
But Samuel Rodriguez continued driving, and officers attempted to use spike strips on the passenger side of the vehicle.
"Samuel swerved his vehicle toward one of the officers who was on foot, causing the officer to jump out of the way to avoid being hit," according to the charges.
"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," a police booking affidavit adds.
The couple got out of their stuck vehicle and got into another car that was also stuck in traffic, forcing the woman who was driving to get out of her car, the charges state.
"Samuel put the vehicle in drive and accelerated, crashing into a fence. Samuel and Krystal were then taken into custody."
