TOOELE COUNTY, Utah – The Tooele County Sheriff has disciplined two police officers in connection with a police chase that resulted in the death of a suspect, and the sheriff said the officers failed to follow department chase policies.
Sheriff Paul Wimmer did not identify either officer, but he said both are veterans with the force with 7-plus years of experience. One is a sergeant and the other a deputy.
The disciplining was in relation to a police chase that occurred in early February and resulted in the death of 23-year-old Marcello Anthony Aragon. The chase and ensuing collisions also caused multiple injuries to bystanders. The chase began when police spotted Aragon behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle. The chase and the accident that terminated the chase was caught on camera, see below for that footage.
Wimmer told FOX 13 News the chase went on for longer than it should have and that an investigation revealed the officers had clearly violated department chase polices that are designed to protect citizens from harm.
Wimmer did not specify the nature of the discipline nor did he identify the officers. He said the disciplinary action is not so much about singling out the officers in this case, but rather is about changing the culture in the sheriff's department regarding high-speed chases.
