Police identify driver involved in deadly car pursuit
Oct 9, 2023, 8:00 PM
(SLCPD)
(SLCPD)
SALT LAKE CITY — Over the weekend, a car pursuit resulted in the death of a 21-year-old man. Police have since released the identity of the driver accused of causing the accident.
At 12:16 a.m. on October 9, 2023, Salt Lake City Police received information of a shooting near 900 S. State St. Upon arrival, police saw 20-year-old Josue Yahir Hernandez-Perez leaving the area quickly with passenger Douglas Rodriguez.
Officers attempted to pull over Hernandez-Perez, however, he refused and police pursued the vehicle.
“Based on the preliminary information available at this time, officers had information to believe the people inside the car may have been involved in the shooting that had just occurred,” said a release from SLCPD.
Police pursued the car until it rolled over at 1100 E. 900 S, trapping both occupants inside. According to the release, it is believed the vehicle rolled over due to failing to navigate a roundabout.
Officers executed a rescue of both occupants and the Salt Lake City Fire Department responded to the accident.
Rodriguez died on the scene as a result of the crash.
Paramedics transported Hernandez-Perez to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Hernandez-Perez was arrested once he was released from the hospital by officers and detectives with the West Valley Police Department.
“Because the incident resulted in someone’s death, the Salt Lake City Police Department invoked the officer-involved-critical-incident protocol,” the release stated. Leading the investigation is the West Valley Police’s OICI Protocol Team 3.
Hernandez-Perez was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of manslaughter, felony fleeing, reckless driving, and driving without a license.
Shooting is still under investigation
Following the arrest, officers learned from witnesses the shooting may have occurred after a large party near 880 South Edison Street.
A 20-year-old man was injured during the shooting with non-life-threatening injuries. The release said no arrests have been made regarding the incident.
Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call 801-799-3000.
