SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah – Police have a man in custody after he allegedly got out of a car during a traffic stop, jumped off a highway overpass and forced his way into a couple’s car Sunday.
South Salt Lake Sgt. Darren Carr said an officer pulled over a car on I-15 at the 5300 S. on-ramp when the suspect, Finaulahi Vailala, got out of the car and jumped off the freeway overpass to try to get away.
Sgt. Carr said the suspect then hopped into a car being driven by an “older couple.”
According to Sgt. Carr, the man told the couple he was being chased by his cousin and he asked them to drive him elsewhere.
Carr said the suspect did not use a weapon or “carjack” the vehicle, he said the couple complied out of fear.
After dropping off the suspect near 3300 S. and 500 W., the couple called police, who “flooded the area” with officers.
Officers found the suspect near 3100 S. and 900 W. and took him into custody.
Carr said the Vailala, who also goes by Hea Mahe, had prior warrants out for his arrest.
