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SALT LAKE CITY — A motorcycle rider was killed in a hit-and-run crash and a driver was arrested after what police say may have started as a road rage incident.
About 3 a.m. a car hit a motorcycle — possibly from behind — traveling east on state Route 201, causing it to crash into a concrete barrier near 2700 West, said Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Nick Street. The motorcycle rider, whose name was not released Friday morning, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car got out and began walking away and was gone by the time troopers arrived, Street said.
About 10:20 p.m., the UHP announced the driver had been arrested by agents from the Operation Rio Grande Narcotics Unit.
"A great job done by your Troopers and (State Bureau of Investigation) Agents!" the UHP tweeted.
The driver's name was not released.
The driver of the car that collided with the motorcyclist fled on foot following the collision. Police are actively searching the area. If you have any information on who this person who fled the scene is, please call UHP Dispatch at (801)887-3800. pic.twitter.com/Tp1PAExKsj
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) April 19, 2019
Based on witness accounts, investigators believe "aggressive driving" or even road rage between the two vehicles may have been involved prior to the crash, he said.
Troopers found a cellphone at the scene and talked to the registered owner of the vehicle, Street said.
The road was closed for five hours as troopers investigated the crash.
