SALT LAKE CITY — A man wanted in connection with a shooting in June was arrested Wednesday following a chase with police that ended in a crash.
A Salt Lake police officer who is also a member of the multi-agency Safe Streets Task Force spotted Miguel Gutierrez-Martinez, 18, just after 7 p.m. near 900 South and 400 West.
Martinez was wanted in connection with a shooting on June 29. Police say he and two other people shot at three others, hitting one in the shoulder. At least one of the rounds hit one of the victims' vehicles as they were driving away, according to a Salt Lake County Jail report. Martinez also allegedly fired at least two shots into the air.
The officer attempted to pull Martinez over Wednesday, but he refused to stop. A chase ensued, lasting about five minutes, said Salt Lake police detective Veronica Montoya. It ended when Martinez ran a red light at 900 South and 200 West and was hit by another vehicle, causing Martinez's car to spin out and crash into a power pole, snapping the pole in two, she said.
No one was injured in the crash. Martinez was quickly surrounded by multiple officers and arrested. A passenger in his car was questioned and later released, Montoya said.
Martinez, who turned 18 less than a month ago, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of seven counts of illegally shooting a firearm, riot, failing to stop for officers and reckless driving. All of the potential charges are subject to gang enhancements, the report states.
TRAX service in the area was disrupted for several hours. A bus bridge was set up between the 900 South and 1300 South stations.
Email: preavy@deseretnews.com, Twitter: DNewsCrimeTeam