Assault Suspect Flees After Vehicle Chase With Police
Feb 15, 2020, 5:08 PM | Updated: Jun 17, 2022, 12:05 am
SALT LAKE CITY – Several police officers have responded to a neighborhood near Liberty Park after a suspect fled the scene following a vehicle pursuit.
The chase began Saturday afternoon in Millcreek. Officers were watching the vehicle, hoping to find 23-year-old Felix Stephen Benitez-Zaragoza.
He came out of a nearby building with 28-year-old Misha Maestas and got into the vehicle. Officials said they tried to block in the vehicle, but the suspect was able to escape.
UPDATE: Officials have released the mug shots of the driver and passenger in a police pursuit and manhunt in Salt Lake County. Misha Maestas was taken into custody. Police still looking for Felix Stephen Benitez-Zaragoza. (Pic from prior arrest.)https://t.co/iJKiX5IrnG pic.twitter.com/4EVYXEz84U
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) February 16, 2020
The chase ended near 900 East and 1300 South in Salt Lake City after the vehicle crashed into a truck around 4:15 p.m. Benitez-Zaragoza escaped on foot while police took Maestas into custody.
“He just hits me in the passenger side, and it hits my car… flies through the light… flips a 180. Then the guy hops out and runs, and he dropped guns and stuff, and they chase him,” said Skyler Devoe, the truck owner who Benitez-Zaragoza and Maestas crashed into.
Devoe said he’s grateful he and his three friends weren’t injured.
“I’m just glad everyone is ok, and I hope they find him,” said Devoe. “I’m just bummed because I don’t have a car anymore; I’m a pizza delivery boy.”
Officials with the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake said officers were searching the area for the suspect. Four officers with police service dogs were called in to assist in the search.
They said Zaragoza was wanted for assault.
UPD is searching for and assault suspect following a pursuit.PIO is en route. Media stage 1300 S 900 E southwest corner.
— Unified Police Dept (@UPDSL) February 15, 2020
Residents said officers asked them to stay inside their homes during the search. Police cruisers were blocking several streets and intersections along 900 East.
Multiple emergency responders were seen near the location of the crash.
Zaragoza is described as 5’7” tall and weighing 200 pounds. He is wanted for aggravated assault parole violation, additional aggravated assault charges, and four counts of fleeing.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts or identity of the suspect should contact police.
LIVE: Police activity near 700 East & 1300 South in Salt Lake City.
Posted by KSL 5 TV on Saturday, February 15, 2020
