Man flees Murray cops, crashes into garage

MURRAY — A man who allegedly fled from police in his friend's vehicle put the car into his friend's garage a short time later — a very short time.

The search continued Friday for Tevita Fisiitalia, 21, who police say drove a car through the side of a garage. Just after 5:30 a.m., police stopped a man for speeding and noticed what appeared to be drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, said Murray police detective Kenny Bass.

Just as the officer was about to inquire about the items, the driver sped away. The driver, however, didn't get far.

About 30 seconds after the man drove off, the officer heard a loud crash, Bass said. Officers discovered Fisiitalia had crashed the car he was driving into the side of the garage of the man who lent him the vehicle, near 600 East and 4200 South. No one was injured. Damage to the garage, however, was substantial.

The man at the home had lent his vehicle to Fisiitalia two days ago, believing he was just borrowing it for a couple of hours, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson said.

Fisiitalia ran off before police arrived, Hutson said. However, investigators knew whom they were looking for, and were familiar with him. Fisiitalia's criminal record includes arrests for drugs, kidnapping, abduction and prisoner assault, Hutson said.

— Pat Reavy