UHP troopers tackle a suspect in hit-and-run claiming he was ‘traveling in faith’

OREM, Utah – A suspect in a hit-and-run crash with a stolen car claims he was on “a spiritual journey” and “traveling in faith.”

According to arresting documents, 24-year-old Eliseo Alcantara ran a red light, hit a car, and drove away on 800 West and 400 North in Orem around 6:54 p.m. Monday.

Witnesses told police that Alcantara drove on Interstate 15 northbound after the crash.

Utah Highway Patrol found Alcantara’s car disabled on the side of the freeway and commanded him to stop.

UHP said that Alcantara ran from them on the freeway, which forced troopers to tackle him and place him into custody.

While in custody, he told police he was on “a spiritual journey and defeating the devil.” When police read his Miranda rights, Alcantara said “he does not believe in time” and used meth the day before.

Police are waiting for a toxicology report on Alcantara.

Alcantara also denied driving the car and claimed he was “traveling in faith.” He does not have a driver’s license.

The owner of SR Prime Auto reported that the car Alcantara used was stolen from the lot before the crash.

The car was left in the lot running because of a low battery.

Alcantara was booked in the Utah County jail for:

• theft of an operable motor vehicle,
• leaving the scene of a property damage accident,
• driving with a measurable controlled substance,
• traffic signal violation,
• no valid driver’s license,
• fail to stop at the command of a peace officer,
• and operating without insurance.