Police searching for 'fugitive gang member' who evaded traffic stop in central Utah

NEPHI — County officials are searching for an "armed and dangerous" fugitive who fled from police during a traffic stop in central Utah Saturday.

At about 2:40 a.m., the Utah Highway Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle on I-15 south of Nephi when the driver sped away. A pursuit ensued, reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour, a statement from UHP said.

"During the pursuit, the suspect called 911 and threatened to engage law enforcement with a firearm," UHP said.

A Juab County deputy deployed tire spikes and the suspect vehicle crashed into the center median about 16 miles north of where the pursuit started, near Mona.

The suspect, identified as Curtis Heisler, 38, from Arizona, fled on foot and remains at large, according to the Utah Highway Patrol, which said, "Heisler is a known fugitive gang member and is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to immediately call 911."

Shortly after the pursuit, the Nephi Police Department issued a shelter-in-place alert to the surrounding community. At about 7:30 a.m., the shelter-in-place was lifted.

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