SALT LAKE CITY — Police were still searching for a man who was considered to be armed and dangerous on Saturday, after the Utah Department of Public Safety said he made threats towards police while fleeing from a trooper.
Suspect identified as armed fugitive
According to DPS, a shelter-in-place was triggered after the “known fugitive gang member” fled from law enforcement.
DPS identified the gang member as a man from Arizona, 38-year-old Curtis Heisler, who was considered to be armed and dangerous.
High-speed pursuit and threats made
The events started on Saturday at 2:40 a.m., when a trooper with the Utah Highway Patrol attempted to stop Heisler, who was in a vehicle heading northbound in Juab County on Interstate 15 near milepost 220, DPS said.
“The vehicle fled at high speeds, initiating a pursuit that reached speeds of 100 mph,” DPS said. “During the pursuit, the suspect called 911 and threatened to engage law enforcement with a firearm.”
Vehicle crash and foot pursuit
A Juab County deputy was able to stop the vehicle using tire spikes near milepost 236 in Nephi, causing the vehicle to crash into a center median, according to DPS.
Heisler was able to get away on foot, prompting the Juab County Sheriff's Office to activate a shelter-in-place order, according to the Nephi City Police Department.
Shelter-in-place order lifted
Although Heisler was never found, Nephi police said the shelter-in-place was later lifted around 7:25 a.m. on Saturday.
Police advised the public to call 911 with any information regarding Heisler's whereabouts.
This story is breaking. It may be updated.
