I-80 traffic stop near Silver Creek turns into foot chase and drug bust

The driver that fled was found lying on the ground under a resident's horse trailer. Photo: Summit County Sheriff’s Office

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Two brothers from California are facing two charges for possession with intent to distribute after Summit County Sheriff’s officers found over five pounds of methamphetamine and over a quarter pound of cocaine in a duffel bag in the trunk of their vehicle.

The car was initially pulled over on I-80 EB near the intersection of US 40 for several moving violations.

A K-9 signaled the odor of narcotics in the vehicle, prompting the 35-year-old driver, who gave a fake name, to flee the scene on foot in the Silver Creek area. He was later captured in a neighborhood (north of I-80) after a search that lasted one hour and 40 minutes, according to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office shift report.

“Multiple agencies and resources assisted in the search. The male that fled was found lying on the ground under a resident’s horse trailer,” the report says.

“After locating the suspect, it was determined that the suspect was suffering from hypothermia and also possibly ingested two unknown objects suspected to be narcotics.”

The driver, who was sent to a Salt Lake hospital to recover, was also charged with giving false info to a police officer, tampering of evidence, and evading. A search of the driver’s wallet revealed a fictitious social security card with another person’s name.

The 48-year-old passenger was the registered owner of the vehicle and was later booked in for possession with intent to distribute.

A records check of the driver revealed an extraditable warrant out of Kansas for cocaine charges.