Car chase called off but stolen vehicle still missing

Deputies have had their hands full tracking down a stolen Chevy pickup truck that a man is suspected of using in a string of thefts.

The red Chevy Colorado truck was reported stolen at a minimart at 3300 South and 300 East about 12:30 p.m. Friday, Salt Lake County sheriff's deputies said. An hour later, a resident in a nearby neighborhood reported seeing a Hispanic man taking items from a vehicle parked in a driveway and loading them into the stolen truck, said Sgt. Bob Rogers.

"We get on scene and the guy sees us, gets in the car and manages to evade police cars, which leads to a short chase heading west on 3900 South," Rogers said.

Deputies terminated the chase at 700 East to avoid accidents.

Deputies believe the man — described as being about 5-foot-8 and wearing dark blue overalls — continued westbound on 3900 South before breaking into the garage of a house near 4000 South and 400 East.

The owner of the home heard his car running and went into the garage, where he saw a man loading gifts into the homeowner's Mazda.

"The suspect told the owner he's bringing him Christmas gifts," Rogers said. "The owner was obviously suspicious and called police."

The man took off in the original stolen vehicle, leaving the gifts behind.

"He was probably trying to find another car to steal," Rogers said. "And he put some work into it — had to jump start the car, put gas in it."

Deputies are still searching for the man and ask anyone with information to call 801-840-4025.

— Lana Groves