Suspect dead in crash after pursuit through Iron, Kane counties

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A suspect is dead following a pursuit that began in Iron County Saturday and ended in neighboring Kane County, where the chase ended in the fatal crash.

A statement from the Utah Department of Public Safety did not specify why Iron County authorities initiated the chase.

Details on the suspect or the vehicle the person was driving were not disclosed. There was no information on whether anyone else was in the vehicle.

Authorities stated tire spikes were successfully deployed near the intersection of state Route 14, which begins in Cedar City, and US Highway 89 in Long Valley Junction.

DPS didn't specify where in Iron County the chase began or if it started on SR-14.

Though the vehicle tires had been spiked, the suspect reportedly continued driving south on Highway 89, toward where a Kane County Sheriff's Office deputy had set up a second spike strip.

"The suspect vehicle crashed into the unoccupied Deputy’s patrol vehicle," according to DPS. "The driver of the suspect vehicle succumbed to injuries sustained during the crash."

It wasn't specified how long the pursuit lasted or whether it went through any city or town streets at any time.

According to the Kane County Sheriff's Office, officer-involved critical incidents are investigated by the Washington County Critical Incident Task Force unless there is a conflict of interest identified, in which case the Iron-Garfield-Beaver County task force will be requested.

DPS stated the Iron-Garfield-Beaver County Critical Incident Task Force would be handling the investigation. It wasn't clear if there were any conflicts of interest, and if so, what they were. It also wasn't immediately known if Iron County authorities involvement in the pursuit would pose any conflict of interest issues.

The suspect's identity was not released. Further information wasn't provided.