Driver booked for investigation of DUI in Provo crash that killed pedestrian, police say

PROVO — A 42-year-old Pleasant Grove man was arrested Monday night after allegedly hitting and killing an 80-year-old man in Provo while driving under the influence.

Jason Wayne Phillips was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of automobile homicide and DUI.

Mario Valer, 80, was crossing the road at 900 S. 120 West at about 6:10 p.m. Monday when he was hit by a pickup truck, Provo police spokeswoman Janna-Lee Holland said.

Valer was taken to Utah Valley Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Phillips was taken to the Provo Police Department for questioning.

“The officer that transported him reported that once in the police vehicle, there was a distinct smell of alcohol. I interviewed Phillips and, in the interview, I could occasionally smell alcohol coming from his body. Because of Phillips’ cooperation, we requested that he provide a blood sample. He refused,” a police booking affidavit states.

Phillips also declined to perform field sobriety tests for the officer, according to the affidavit. After obtaining a warrant for blood and urine, police confirmed the presence of alcohol in Phillips’ body.

“After Phillips’ blood and urine were obtained, Phillips agreed to take a breath test. The Intoxilyzer recorded Phillips’ blood alcohol content at .09% three hours after the accident,” the affidavit states. “Phillips stated that he had a couple of mixed drinks before going to the gym between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., over an hour before the accident.

“Phillips operated his vehicle in a negligent manner. A reasonable person operating a vehicle should be able to see a person walking or standing near the side of the road and exercise due caution,” according to the affidavit.

Read more: Provo woman who competed internationally as a ‘mermaid’ to host similar competition in Utah