UHP troopers surprised to be led on chase

A man who mistakenly thought police were coming after him led surprised troopers on a chase Monday that reached speeds of 130 mph.

The incident began when Utah Highway Patrol trooper Robert Bench was responding to an accident on I-80 about 50 miles from the Nevada border Monday morning. He was responding with lights and sirens to the accident when he came upon another vehicle.

Bench said he thought the vehicle was going to let him pass, but instead "he just gunned it and took off."

Tooele County responded to the accident while UHP pursued the fleeing vehicle. The chase averaged speeds of 110 to 115 mph but reached 130 mph at one point, Bench said.

About 20 miles into the chase, troopers were able to spike the man's tires, causing him to slide off into the median. The man got out of his car and surrendered without incident.

"He had no reason to run," Bench said.

The 22-year-old Anaheim, Calif., driver did not have any warrants out for his arrest, was driving his own car and had a valid driver's license.

The man gave troopers conflicting statements as to why he fled.