DPS NEWS

Juvenile Driver Stopped after Short Pursuit in Salt Lake County.

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:37 pm, the Salt Lake Communication Center put out a reckless driver call southbound on I-15 at 2300 North. A Trooper was dispatched to the call and responded to the area. 

The Trooper located the suspect vehicle, a black Honda Civic,  at approximately 3300 South and observed the vehicle continuing to drift in and out of the HOV lane. The suspect vehicle was also driving with no lights on. The Trooper initiated a traffic stop at 3500 South with vehicle speeds at 54 mph. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated at approximately 4500 South. Additional Troopers were in the area and responded to assist with slowing traffic behind the pursuit,  while another Trooper set up to deploy road spikes near 9400 South. During the pursuit, speeds varied from 40 mph to approximately 70 mph. 

The vehicle passed 9400 South and spikes were deployed. The vehicle continued southbound and it was unclear if the spike attempt was successful in deflating the tires. With traffic slowed behind the pursuit, and the suspect vehicle’s speeds reduced to approximately 40 mph, Troopers performed a successful Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver and brought the vehicle to a stop at 10400 South. 

After the driver was safely secured she was identified as a 12-year-old female who  had taken the car without her mom knowing. The juvenile was taken to the Murray Utah Highway Patrol Office and later returned to her parents custody. Charges will be screened through the Juvenile Court.