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Driver found with gunshot wound dies after Orem vehicle crash

Posted at 6:00 AM, Nov 19, 2013
and last updated 2013-11-19 14:07:47-05

OREM, Utah -- A man died Tuesday morning after a single-vehicle crash in Orem, but not from injuries he sustained in the crash, according to police.

Orem police said they received a call from a resident around 3:15 a.m. about a loud crash at 800 North and 100 East.

When officers arrived at the scene, they said they found that a driver, identified as Rupert E. Miley of Orem, 42, and a passenger had taken out trees, light poles, signs and a fire hydrant before coming to a stop in the road.

"They were traveling at a high rate of speed, and they were going the wrong way for at least probably about three or four blocks," Lt. Craig Martinez said. "Our scene here is quite extensive."

Officers said the passenger was uninjured, but Miley was found with a gunshot wound in his back. He later died at an area hospital.

Police shut down all eastbound lanes on 200 East so they could investigate the scene. They later confirmed they found a handgun outside of the car.

"We don't know at this point what happened first-- if they started hitting these things on the side of the road or if he was shot before then," Martinez said.

Investigators said the passenger was taken into custody and is now being interviewed.

Police have not released the name of the passenger or his relationship to Miley, but they said the passenger is from Orem.

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