'Public enemy' is arrested

A former gang member and the Salt Lake Area Gang Project's public enemy No. 1 was arrested early Sunday after a high-speed chase outside of Cedar City.

Phonsavanh Thammavongsa, 25, was wanted for evading prosecution and attempted homicide in North Carolina.

A warrant was issued for Thommavongsa's arrest after he was accused of shooting a police officer near Mt. Holly in North Carolina on April 11 after being pulled over for speeding. The officer was wearing a bullet-proof vest and is still recovering from injuries suffered in the incident.

At approximately 3 a.m., Utah Highway Patrol officers spotted a stolen car believed to be driven by Thammavongsa near Beaver County.

"He has relatives in the area and used to live here, so we thought he might be coming this way," said James Thompson, a chief deputy U.S. marshal. He said the gang unit had received several leads on Thommavongsa, including information that his stolen getaway vehicle was recovered in West Jordan a week after the North Carolina shooting.

"We've been looking for him ever since," Thompson said.

Sunday morning, UHP officers followed Thammavongsa to a spot where officers were rallied to make an arrest.

"He was considered very violent," Thompson said. "We expected the worst, and we were prepared for it."

When Thammavongsa realized police were in pursuit, a chase ensued, reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph and continuing nearly 60 miles, UHP Sgt. Todd Royce said. The fleeing vehicle was finally stopped when it hit spikes that were set up on the road, and the vehicle then rolled several times.

"The driver was uninjured and was taken into custody," Royce said.

A 40-caliber handgun was found in the vehicle.

Thammavongsa is awaiting extradition to North Carolina and is being held in the Salt Lake County Jail.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com