Summit County deputy honored for bravery in SR 40 wrong-way driver incident

Utah Department of Public Safety awarded SCSO Deputy Perez the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions in July of this year. Photo: Summit County Sheriff

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County Sheriff’s Deputy Perez received the Medal of Valor from the Utah Department of Public Safety last week for his heroic actions on SR 40 in July. Deputy Perez courageously intercepted a wrong-way driver, deliberately positioning his vehicle into the path of the wrong way driver to prevent potential tragedy. His quick thinking and self-sacrifice ensured the safety of others, marking an extraordinary act of service to the community.

On the morning of July 9, 2024, dispatchers received multiple reports of a pickup truck traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of SR 40 near mile marker 15. The vehicle continued into Summit County, prompting deputies to act swiftly. Deputy Perez intercepted the wrong-way driver near mile marker 3.5, using his patrol car to block the oncoming truck. The collision resulted in minor injuries for Perez, who was treated and released from the hospital. The wrong-way driver reported no injuries. SR 40 was closed for several hours as authorities responded to the incident and reopened just after 10 a.m.