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SLC Police: Texting driver rolls car, breaks into apartment, fights resident

Posted at 8:10 AM, Dec 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-10 23:40:33-05

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - A man rolled his car early Saturday morning, and then proceeded to commit several crimes, according to Salt Lake City Police.

It started just after 3 a.m. when officers responded to a report of a rollover on Prospect Street, near 1700 south and Redwood Road.

"He admitted to texting and paying attention to his phone instead of his driving," Lt. Dave Cracroft said. "He hit a parked car, pushed it up onto the parking lot at McDonalds, and ended up rolling his car. He then fled and ran into the apartment complex behind us, and broke into an apartment to try and hide."

The suspect then got into a fight with a resident, but arriving officers quickly took him into custody.

Officers noticed a strong smell of marijuana in the car.

"He admitted to using some marijuana, had some codeine and cough syrup in his pocket, found a stolen firearm in the car," according to Lt. Cracroft.

A quick check found the man has a prior record and is listed as a restricted person.

That boosts the firearm and drug charges to felonies, Lt. Cracroft said.

He also faces other charges, including hit and run, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, residential burglary and assault.