Nephi, Utah — A dramatic vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash and subsequent standoff shut down both directions of Interstate 15 in Juab County on Wednesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred near mile marker 222, approximately two miles south of Nephi, prompted a large law enforcement response and caused significant traffic disruptions.
According to Lt. Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol, officers attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop when the driver of the vehicle led them on a high-speed chase. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed on the interstate. However, the situation escalated further when the suspect refused to exit the vehicle, resulting in a tense standoff between law enforcement and the driver.
In response to the situation, officers from multiple agencies quickly arrived at the scene. To ensure the safety of both law enforcement and passing motorists, police vehicles were strategically positioned across both lanes and the shoulder of the interstate, effectively blocking traffic in both directions while officers worked to resolve the standoff.
The incident led to the closure of Interstate 15 before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, causing significant delays for commuters. While the roadway remained blocked for several hours, authorities successfully apprehended the suspect without further incident.
As of now, the details regarding the circumstances that led to the attempted traffic stop remain unclear. Investigators have not released additional information about the original reason for the stop or any potential charges the suspect may face.
The interstate was reopened once the situation was resolved, and traffic flow resumed normally. Authorities continue to investigate the events surrounding the pursuit.