LEHI, Utah — A man was arrested for Kidnapping and DUI after the passenger in his vehicle intentionally crashed the car near UHP troopers conducting a traffic stop near Lehi late Friday night.
Utah Highway Patrol tells FOX 13 News that the incident began just before midnight on I-15 near the Thanksgiving Point exit. Troopers were investigating reports of a reckless driver and conducting a traffic stop. It was during this stop, a minivan driven by Joshua Jacob Bavaro, 40, swerved abruptly, clipping a UHP patrol vehicle .
Troopers noticed the strong odor of alcohol from Bavaro, as well as bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. While he complied with their request to a Standard Field Sobriety Test, he repeatedly refused chemical testing.
Booking documents obtained by FOX 13 News say the passenger of the vehicle took control of the wheel and intentionally swerved near the troopers. Lehi Police responded to the scene, taking over the investigation.
According to the documents, a detective with Lehi Police spoke with the passenger, who explained that Bavaro had offered to drive him home from a bar. However, Bavaro refused to take a turn leading to his home, instead going onto I-15. When confronted, the passenger told the detective that Bavaro began saying things about the victim "wanting to be a tough guy."
The passenger asked Bavaro to let him out. Upon seeing that he wouldn't, he began fearing for his life. Upon seeing police lights, the passnger took control of the wheel and jerked towards them in order to get the troopers' attention.
While in custody, Bavaro asserted that the passnger owed him money, later stating he knows his girlfriend. The passenger denied both statements, telling police he doesn't even have a girlfriend.
Utah Highway Patrol tells FOX 13 News that the passenger was also taken into custody.
Current jail records indicate Bavaro has been released on bail.
