CRIME

Helicopter footage shows lengthy police chase with man who fled again days later

Jan 13, 2025, 1:42 PM | Updated: 1:46 pm

Joseph Silva, a suspect in several cases and fleeing from police, trying to flee from police on Mar...

Joseph Silva, a suspect in several cases and fleeing from police, trying to flee from police on March, 30, 2024. (Utah Department of Transportation)

(Utah Department of Transportation)

SALT LAKE CITY — Newly obtained video shows police trying to arrest a man who fled during an attempted arrest in Salt Lake County. Court documents show it was the first of two police pursuits the man caused, and the second came just days later.

On March 30, 2024, several Salt Lake County police agencies attempted to arrest Joseph Failiala Silva, 35, after he fled from police in a reported stolen car, according to court documents.

Officers with Unified and Salt Lake City police said Silva evaded them twice on that day in Kearns and Salt Lake City. In one instance, an SLCPD officer said Silva reversed into a small cinderblock wall and almost hit the officer’s car.

According to a police affidavit, Silva was spotted at approximately 7 p.m. on the Lambs Canyon exit of Interstate 80 in Parleys Canyon. A Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter was called to assist.

The helicopter footage monitored Silva’s car as it was stopped near the Lambs Canyon exit, and waited until Utah Highway Patrol troopers arrived to attempt an arrest.

The Utah DPS helicopter finding Joseph Silva at the Lambs Canyon exit on March 30, 2024.

The Utah DPS helicopter finding Joseph Silva at the Lambs Canyon exit on March 30, 2024. (Utah Department of Transportation)

After about 35 minutes, officers and troopers attempted a traffic stop, but Silva fled westbound on I-80 into Salt Lake County. Police chose not to follow Silva in patrol cars, but kept track of him with the DPS helicopter.

Police attempting to arrest Joseph Silva at the Lambs Canyon exit on March 30, 2024.

Police attempting to arrest Joseph Silva at the Lambs Canyon exit on March 30, 2024. (Utah Department of Transportation)

According to the footage, Silva got off the 400 South exit on Interstate 15 in Salt Lake City and continued westbound. He was then seen trying to hide the stolen car in an industrial area on Delong Street in Salt Lake City.

Police said they attempted to stop Silva again while he was parked in the industrial space, but he fled again in the stolen car. Police again chose not to follow in patrol cars and allowed the helicopter to follow him until they could spike the car.

Joseph Silva attempting to hide near some semi trucks in a Salt Lake City industrial area on March 30, 2024.

Joseph Silva attempting to hide near some semi trucks in a Salt Lake City industrial area on March 30, 2024. (Utah Department of Transportation)

The footage then captures a moment where police attempted to spike Silva’s car on 3100 South under the Mountain View Corridor bridge. This time, officers chose to pursue Silva.

Silva then drove southbound in northbound traffic and collided with another car on 3500 S. 5600 West, according to police. He attempted to leave the car but quickly jumped back in and continued to flee.

Joseph Silva driving while sparks fly off the stolen car.

Joseph Silva fleeing from police while sparks fly off the stolen car. (Utah Department of Transportation)

According to police, Silva fled until he reached West Rawhide Drive in West Valley City. Silva abandoned the car and ran on foot, prompting officers to deploy K9s. Silva attempted to fight off the dogs but was unsuccessful, and he was taken into custody.

Security footage of Joseph Silva placing his hands up before being arrested by police.

Security footage of Joseph Silva placing his hands up before being arrested by police. (The Unified Police Department)

Another police chase

On April 2, Silva was involved in another police chase after falling to stop at a stop sign and a red light on Taylorsville, according to court documents. During this encounter, police used a PIT stop maneuver, pinning him in his car.

Police reported using a K9 to help arrest Silva. During the arrest, the K9 lost consciousness after Silva punched and strangled the dog.

On Aug. 26, Silva pleaded guilty to third-degree felony charges of unauthorized possession of a vehicle, theft of a vehicle, and failing to stop at the command of police.

He also pleaded guilty to charges of interfering with an arresting officer, a class B misdemeanor; failing to stay at the scene of an accident, a class B misdemeanor; and to interfering with a K9, a class A misdemeanor.

Silva was a domestic violence suspect

Silva was also wanted for a domestic violence incident involving his ex-wife that happened in March 2024, where he physically assaulted her. He pleaded guilty to third-degree felony aggravated assault.

According to court documents, Silva was sentenced “to an indeterminate term of not to exceed five years in the Utah State Prison” for each felony charge.

The other charges were dismissed with prejudice as part of the plea deal. Those charges were:

  • Use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class-B misdemeanor
  • Reckless driving, a class-B misdemeanor
  • Ignition interlock violation, a class-C misdemeanor
  • Driving on a suspended license, a class-B misdemeanor
  • Intoxication, a class-C misdemeanor
  • Falling to stop at the command of law enforcement, a class-A misdemeanor
  • Three third-degree felony charges of domestic violence in the presence of a child involving injury

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Helicopter footage shows lengthy police chase with man who fled again days later