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LEHI — A man who had several warrants out for his arrest was taken into custody in Lehi Tuesday after fleeing from police in Provo.
On Tuesday, police pulled over a vehicle with Kenneth Ralph Wright, 26, who is listed as homeless in court documents, and a woman inside.
While officers were questioning the woman, Wright got into the driver's seat and sped away, according to a police affidavit.
"As he drove off one Provo police officer who was positioned in front of the suspect vehicle had to move out of the way to avoid being hit," the affidavit states. "Records checks on Kenneth showed him to have several outstanding felony no-bail warrants for his arrest."
About 30 minutes later, Lehi police spotted Wright driving on I-15, according to a second police affidavit. As police were following, Wright began driving the wrong way on 2100 North, the affidavit states. Officers then initiated a pursuit.
"During the pursuit ... Wright made three attempts to strike other oncoming civilian vehicles with his vehicle by crossing the center line of travel and directing his vehicle at theirs. Kenneth also attempted to strike two Lehi police vehicles in the same manner as he continued his flight," according to the affidavit.
The chase ended near 3800 West in Lehi when Wright lost control of his vehicle and crashed.
Both Lehi and Provo police arrested Wright for his alleged crimes in each city. He was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of 16 charges, including two counts of assault on a police officer, three counts of aggravated assault, theft of a vehicle and failing to stop for police.
Wright made three attempts to strike other oncoming civilian vehicles with his vehicle by crossing the center line of travel and directing his vehicle at theirs.
–Police affidavit
Officers from both departments in their affidavits noted that Wright "has an extensive criminal history including fleeing from law enforcement, illegal drug use, weapon offenses, assault, criminal mischief, and theft" and "is currently a probation fugitive."
