Car crashes into Centerville Bench after nearly hitting homeowner
Aug 10, 2022, 10:47 AM | Updated: 12:28 pm
CENTERVILLE, Utah — A Centerville man was arrested Tuesday after speeding through a neighborhood, running into the mountain, and starting a fire.
It happened in the same spot an arsonist burned down a house after a home invasion on July 21. While Centerville Police say the events are unrelated, Randi Stephens says she’s ready for things to calm down.
“I heard the engine of the vehicle rev and I saw him start speeding, he just came straight at us,” Stephens said.
She believes the driver, 46-year-old Benjamin Wight swerved to hit her.
“I saw his face, he saw my face,” Stephens said.
According to Centerville Police, Wight admitted to stealing compressed air at Walmart just prior to the accident. He faces numerous charges of driving under the influence.
Stephens says after jumping out of the way to avoid getting hit, Wight ran into the side of the hill, where his car started a fire. She ran to help.
“I was trying get him out, I’m screaming you gotta get out, the car is on fire,” she couldn’t believe what happened next.
“He starts to put the car in reverse and I’m screaming you’re gonna kill me and I’m trying to get down the hill with all the dirt and the rocks, he continues to reverse.”
This family has had a rough go. In fact, last night was their first night sleeping at home in a year due to flooding… followed by smoke damage from the fire next door. Neighbors have set up a GoFundMe to help with numerous expenses from water damage from faulty construction to smoke damage from the fire last month. If you would like to donate, click here.
