OGDEN — Criminal charges were filed Wednesday against a Clinton man who police say crashed into a tree while driving drunk, ran away while leaving his injured passenger in the car, then stole another car and crashed that one, too.
Matthew Christian Wilson, 28, is charged in 2nd District Court in two separate cases. In one, he is charged with DUI and failing to remain at the scene of a serious accident, third-degree felonies, and failing to stop at the command of an officer, a class A misdemeanor. In the other case, Wilson is charged with theft by receiving stolen property, a second-degree felony, and causing property damage while driving, a class C misdemeanor.
On Monday, near 5092 W. 2550 South in Weber County, police say Wilson was seen passing another car at a high rate of speed before losing control of his car and crashing into a tree, which spread “a pile of chopped wood all over, causing damage to the homeowner’s vehicle and trailer,” according to charging documents.
Wilson’s passenger suffered a broken pelvis and dislocated hip, the charges state. After the crash, however, Wilson allegedly got out and ran.
“Additionally, there was an open container of whiskey on the driver’s floorboard, and a witness passenger stated the bottle belonged to Matthew,” according to the charges.
An officer later spotted Wilson walking along the road and ordered him to stop but said Wilson ran.
“He had to be tackled and taken into custody. ... (He) stated he ran because he does not have a valid license,” according to the charges.
As deputies continued to investigate, they learned of a stolen car that was found crashed in a ditch near Wilson’s accident.
“The ditch was very wide and the vehicle traveled northbound in the ditch for approximately 60-70 yards No other individuals were in the vicinity of the vehicle. The stolen vehicle and Wilson were located approximately 9 miles from the initial accident,” according to the charges.
The car was reported stolen about two blocks away from Wilson’s crash, the charges state.
Investigators said they determined that Wilson was also the driver of that vehicle.
Wilson was also charged with driving on a denied license on Jan. 7 and Nov. 22, and convicted of the same crime in 2016, according to court records.