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Ashley Hayes Reporting The man named Public Enemy Number One yesterday is in jail this morning. Police got lucky in finding John Taukeiaho so quickly.
Taukeiaho, also known as "Jay Boy," was pulled over during a traffic stop last night. He stopped his car then jumped out of the car and ran.
The Metro Gang Unit and police chased him through the dark in the back of a neighborhood. They captured him in a backyard near 1427 Roberta Street.
Sgt. Saul Bailey, Metro Gang Unit, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "We're very happy to have him off the streets. Again, we really appreciate the cooperation of the media, the community, and the law enforcement community helping us apprehend this gentleman as soon as possible."
Police say Taukeiaho is a known meth maker and distributor. He was wanted on a drug-related charge and a state warrant for stolen property.
He has a record of assault, burglary, robbery and weapons violations.
Taukeiaho's mug shot taken yesterday looks different from one taken previously. Police say Taukeiaho changed his looks to keep from getting caught.
Sgt. Saul Bailey, Metro Gang Unit, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "Well, he's an experienced individual as far as being in a criminal element. So it would just be basic that he would try to conceal his identity, try to have several different avenues of escape and ways to elude law enforcement."
Police say he is a member of the gang Baby Regulators. But he is booked in the Salt Lake County Jail this morning.
