SALT LAKE CITY — A 19-year-old man was taken into custody Wednesday night after he allegedly carjacked a West Valley City woman’s vehicle at gunpoint and led police on a chase through Salt Lake City.
Police said David Montoya approached a woman as she was pulling her 2003 Chevy Impala into her driveway, near 3200 S and 1900 W, around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
“The suspect was holding an object underneath his t-shirt that appeared to be a handgun,” West Valley City police said in a press release about the incident.
Montoya allegedly left behind another vehicle that was later determined to have been stolen in Salt Lake City on Sunday. After the alleged carjacking, the victim immediately called police.
“She just handed over the car and called us, which is exactly what she should do,” said Lt. Matt Elson, West Valley City Police Department. “It’s a car. You know, there’s no point in putting your safety into jeopardy over a vehicle.”
According to the press release, Salt Lake City officers noticed a driver committing numerous traffic violations around 500 S and Emery St. shortly before 6 p.m.
That vehicle, police said, was the stolen Impala and Montoya was allegedly behind the wheel.
When officers attempted to stop the Impala, Montoya allegedly led them on a chase.
Officers pursued the Impala on westbound I-80 and executed a PIT maneuver to bring it to a stop near 1500 W. The police activity forced the closure of all but one of the westbound lanes of traffic.
“It’s always good to work with all the surrounding agencies. You know, we have a really good working relationship with Salt Lake City Police Department and we’re very thankful and appreciative that they were able to catch this guy,” Elson said.
After Salt Lake City officers took him into custody, Montoya complained of injuries and he was taken to a hospital.
Montoya was evaluated and transferred to the custody of West Valley City officers, who booked him into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on numerous criminal charges.
