DUCHESNE COUNTY, Utah –Police in Colorado apprehended a Utah man Sunday after a series of high-speed chases and attempted carjackings,, and the man is suspected in the fatal shooting of his father.
James Main Jr. was arrested after a two-day manhunt that included two high-speed chases, several break-ins and an alleged kidnapping, according to police.
Heidi Davidson with the Grand Junction Police Department said the suspect was spotted around 4 p.m. Saturday near Grand Junction, Colorado but fled from officers at a high rate of speed.
About 20 minutes later police received report of a suspect attempting to carjack a victim, but the carjacking was not successful. Police were not able to find the suspect Saturday night.
Sunday around 9 a.m., police learned of another attempted carjacking, and the suspect left in a silver sedan after failing to steal the vehicle. As police were searching for the suspect, there was a hit-and-run crash around 10:45 a.m. involving the suspect vehicle. Main Jr. reportedly fled the scene on foot before being spotted on a stolen bicycle.
Around 11:20 a.m., police received report the suspect had entered a home and wanted a resident’s vehicle, but that resident refused to give up the keys and the man left. About an hour later police heard from a woman who said Main Jr. broke into her home, changed clothes while inside and stole the woman’s vehicle along with money and credit cards.
The woman said the man forced her to go with him when he left the home, but she was able to escape his vehicle at some point and contact police. By this time there was a heavy police presence in the area, with officers stationed at interstate exits. A trooper spotted Main Jr. driving around 1 p.m. and a high-speed chase ensued.
During that chase Main Jr. was driving erratically and often was on the wrong side of the road. Police stopped the car using a PIT maneuver and took Main Jr. into custody.
Grand Junction Police stated they were grateful, “this dangerous suspect” was apprehended safely and without injuries to anyone.
Main Jr. is wanted for an alleged kidnapping and a homicide in Duchesne County. Family members said the man fatally shot his father, James Main Sr. Police in Utah have not yet confirmed any details regarding the deceased other than his age, 56, but they have said they believe the kidnapping is related to the possible homicide.
The suspect’s sister tells Fox 13 News her brother suffers from mental health issues and wasn’t himself when the alleged crimes occurred.
“My brother is a paranoid bipolar schizophrenic,” Monica Main Vreeken said Saturday. “What he did was an awful thing, but he is not himself right now.”
Main Vreeken said prior to the alleged crimes, Main Jr. had made threats and displayed suicidal behavior. She said they tried to get assistance but, “both times we were sent away with little or no help.”
Fox 13 News will have more information as it becomes available.
