SALT LAKE CITY — Two people were arrested by the Metro Gang Unit Thursday after police said they crashed into another vehicle while trying to escape and then pulled a gun on a bystander.
Christopher David Yates, 18, and Francisco Nathaniel Armenio Gutierrez, 18, were each arrested for investigation of crimes including aggravated assault, drug distribution, failing to stop for police, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, and possession of a weapon by a restricted person.
The Metro Gang Unit was investigating a house near 800 W. Fremont Ave. where drugs were being sold, according to a police affidavit. Police stopped a vehicle that just left the residence and reported recovering cocaine.
Officers then watched as Yates and Gutierrez left the residence and started to drive away. They attempted to pull the men over, but they sped off, the affidavit states. “Detectives were then advised the vehicle had crashed several blocks away.”
The driver of the other car that was hit got out to see if he could help and saw Yates start to run off. “The witness confronted Yates and at this time Yates pointed the gun at the witness and told him to get ... back,” according to the affidavit.
Yates was arrested at gunpoint a short time. Gutierrez was also located and arrested. Both men were taken to a local hospital to be evaluated before they were booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.