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KEARNS — A police chase with an RV resulted in five cars being damaged, including an officer's patrol car.
On Tuesday, a Unified police officer pulled over a RV just after 1 p.m. near 4600 West and 5400 South.
"As I approached on the passenger side, the RV reversed and rammed my police cruiser and fled the scene," the arresting officer wrote in a booking affidavit.
Because backup officers were initially unsure if the officer had been hit or was injured, a chase was initiated. During the ensuing pursuit, the RV hit at least four other vehicles, before coming to a stop by high-centering on a median.
According to Unified Police Sgt. Aymee Race, officers pursued the RV eastbound on 5400 South. When the RV reached Bangerter Highway, one officer reported seeing a "big plume of dust," allegedly caused by the RV hitting three other vehicle, Race said.
The RV continued north on Bangerter. Near 4100 South, the RV hit a van, knocking it onto its side. The impact from the collision propelled the RV onto the raised median where it became high-centered. The chase lasted less than 10 minutes. No serious injuries were reported.
James Daniel Harper got out of the RV and tried to run, but Race says he only made it about 15 feet before he was apprehended by officers. A second person in the RV was detained and questioned but later released.
Harper, 39, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of failing to stop at the command of police, five counts of failing to remain at an accident involving injury, being an alcohol-restricted driver, not having an ignition interlock device in his vehicle and driving on a suspended license.
According to court records, Harper was most recently convicted of failing to stop at the command of police in July 2022, and theft by receiving stolen property in October 2022.
