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Wanted man flees from police, caught by Unified police K9, officials say

Posted at 10:08 AM, Jan 24, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-24 21:46:30-05

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- A man wanted on several felony warrants was taken into custody early Saturday morning after a confrontation with police, officials say.

Police had been searching for Jaime Hernandez, 37, for two days, said Lt. Justin Hoyal, spokesman for Unified police.

Hoyal said a tip came in that Hernandez was driving a white Mercedes with a temporary sticker. The vehicle was eventually located at a 7-Eleven, 2321 S. Redwood Road, in West Valley City.

At approximately 12:45 a.m. officers responded to the convenience store to find Hernandez getting into the car.

Officers with the Metro Gang Unit and Unified police moved in. Hoyal said two patrol vehicles parked behind Hernandez while there were two other police vehicles to the left and right.

Hoyal said Hernandez got into the Mercedes and drove on to the sidewalk and eventually left the parking lot, in process hitting the police vehicles along with a civilian car.

Police engaged in a pursuit. In the area of 1499 South and 900 West in Salt Lake City, Hernandez abandoned the vehicle, Hoyal said.

He was later found on the roof of a home in that area, Hoyal said.

Hernandez was non-compliant, jumped off the roof and tried to flee, officials say.

Hernandez was eventually stopped when he was bit by a Unified police K9.

Police say Hernandez was found in possession of large amounts of methamphetamine, marijuana and cash.

Hernandez was taken to an area hospital for treatment on a minor dog bite then booked into Salt Lake County Jail on charges of outstanding warrants including aggravated assault on police for hitting four police vehicles.

The Mercedes was also found to be stolen out of South Salt Lake.

No officers or civilians were injured in the pursuit.