Utah man arrested after stealing vehicle in Mesquite, crashing into light pole

MESQUITE, Nev. — A 28-year-old man from St. George was arrested Monday after police say he stole a car in Mesquite, crashed it into a light pole, and then fled before officers arrived on scene.

The crash happened in the early morning hours of April 3 near the intersection of Horizon Boulevard and Falcon Ridge Parkway.

Officials with the Mesquite Police Department said a maroon sedan crashed into a light pole in the center median, causing it to fall over and block the roadway.

Before officers arrived on scene to assess the situation, the driver fled.

“During the crash investigation officers learned the vehicle had previously been dropped off for service at a tire shop, but was stolen just a short time before the crash,” read a press release from MPD.

Police said through surveillance video at the tire shop, they were able to identify the suspect.

The following day, April 4, a patrol officer spotted the suspect walking around the city, according to police. The individual, identified as 28-year-old Braedan Smith, was placed under arrest without incident.

Smith was arrested and booked for investigation of felony grand larceny of a motor vehicle, felony tampering with a motor vehicle, felony damage to property of another, and gross misdemeanor possession of burglary tools.

“Due to the felony charges Smith was transported to Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas,” stated the release.