WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- A Unified Police Department officer suffered injury Wednesday after being hit by a suspect fleeing from police in a high-speed chase, and Thursday police released footage of the pursuit--including the moment a PIT maneuver was performed and armed officers swarmed the suspect vehicle.
Tyrell Cox, 31, was wanted for 13 felony warrants and police were watching a home in the area of 3100 South 3200 West Wednesday around 8:30 p.m. when he was spotted. Officers pursued with the help of a Utah Highway Patrol helicopter, and as the video shows the chase reached speeds of up to 115 mph or more on State Route 201.
The first of the two clips above shows the high-speed pursuit as well as an officer using spikes on the suspect's vehicle. The accompanying press release from West Valley City PD states the officer who was injured can be seen in the right of the frame falling down after being struck. Shortly after that, the helicopter took over the pursuit and the vehicle chase ended.
The second clip shows officers resuming the vehicle pursuit a short time later, and it includes the moment one officer uses a police vehicle to perform a PIT maneuver to bring the suspect to a stop. The police vehicle makes contact with the suspect vehicle about 40 seconds into the video.
The officer can be heard narrating what he sees as the situation unfolds.
He says: "Be ready for him to bail--a 2-block containment in every direction. Continuing southbound, we're down to 35 miles an hour. Be aware, he is armed sometimes... PIT maneuver right in front of the City Hall! PIT maneuver right in front of City Hall!"
At that point, officers swarm the vehicle with weapons drawn and take the man into custody.
Cox was booked for his previous warrants and now faces charges that include attempted aggravated murder, felony fleeing and reckless driving.
