A Los Angeles man is again in police custody after escaping from a hospital treatment room Sunday and commandeering a car from a woman in the hospital's parking area.
Anhtuan Phu Pham, 22, had been arrested about 7 a.m. by Murray police in connection with the armed robbery of a 7-Eleven Store at 5240 S. State that occurred about 6 a.m.Sgt. Bill Brusik said a man entered the store with a shotgun and ordered the attendant to lie on the floor as the man took small amounts of cash from cash registers. He then fled on foot.
Police investigators received a lead on a man matching the suspect's description after talking with nearby motel operators. A police dog was used to locate the suspect's room and a man was taken into custody.
Brusik said the man was taken to Cottonwood Hospital for treatment of a bullet wound received during an altercation not related to the Murray incident. While an officer was releasing the prisoner's handcuffs, the suspect turned on him and a struggle ensued. The officer received a shoulder injury and the suspect escaped.
After commandeering the car, police believe the man broke into a Murray apartment and stole a change of clothing.
A car matching the description of the stolen vehicle was spotted about 2 p.m. in Utah County. Utah Highway Patrol and Utah County deputies pursued the vehicle south on I-15 and were joined by Millard County Sheriff's deputies.
The suspect was captured when tires on the vehicle blew as they passed over tire shredders placed across the roadway south of Scipio by police.
Pham was returned to Murray Sunday night and was booked into the Salt Lake County jail for investigation of aggravated robbery.