Woman critically injured by suspected DUI driver fleeing after crash, police say

PROVO — A woman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition in Provo on Saturday after a head-on crash. Police say the driver of the car that hit her was suspected of driving under the influence, and was fleeing after another crash.

The Provo Police Department said in a press release that a person called 911 just after 3 p.m. to report a hit-and-run crash at 500 N. 500 West. The caller then followed the car to a church parking lot at 700 N. 100 West.

Provo police said one of its officers then found the hit-and-run suspect in the parking lot, and approached their car.

“During the interaction, the male driver of the vehicle did not comply with the officer’s commands to exit the vehicle. As the officer reached into the vehicle in an attempt to take the suspect driver into custody, the male drove off, causing the officer to roll away from the vehicle,” Provo Police said.

Police said the man then drove out of the parking lot, heading south on 100 West. Once he got to 400 North, police say he hit a Fiat head-on, then tried to run off.

“The suspect driver fled that scene on foot, but was detained by a citizen until officers quickly responded and took the suspect into custody,” Provo police said. “Alcohol use is suspected, and the incident is being investigated as a DUI.”

Provo police said the driver of the Fiat was taken to Utah Valley Hospital in critical condition.

Police did not immediately release the identities of anybody involved. A Provo police spokesperson said the man hadn’t yet been booked into jail because he was also getting medical treatment, but they expected he would be booked on Sunday.

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This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.