Carbon County Press Release
On the evening of Nov. 25, Carbon County law enforcement agencies received information that a fugitive out of Utah County was at a residence in Helper, Utah. The suspect was wanted out of Utah County for multiple vehicle thefts, which led to several pursuits. The information received by local law enforcement agencies was that Arturo Abrica was suspected of being in possession of a stolen Ford Explorer out of Utah County, and that he also had five active statewide warrants. Further information obtained stated that the suspect had taken vehicles at knife point and may also be in possession of a firearm.
The suspect was first observed standing by a Ford Explorer at Swift Stop & Shop in Helper. Assisting units positioned their patrol vehicles to the front and rear of the explorer. The suspect, Abrica, jumped inside the Ford Explorer as he saw law enforcement officers approaching. Chief Trent Anderson of the Helper City Police Department ordered Abrica several times to stop and show his hands. The suspect refused to cooperate with the commands of law enforcement and put the vehicle in reverse, ramming the front of Chief Anderson’s patrol vehicle, and fled the area onto SR-6 heading toward Price.
Local law enforcement officers pursued the suspect with lights and sirens from Helper toward Price at speeds reaching 120 miles per hour. As the vehicles reached the turnoff to Carbonville Road, the suspect vehicle was slowing and sliding on the very wet and icy roads. The suspect turned in front of the westbound traffic on SR-6, causing the oncoming traffic to stop in their travel lanes.
The suspect continued southbound on Carbonville Road and attempted to turn left at 760 North; however, due to icy road conditions and excessive speed, he could not complete the turn. During the pursuit, the suspect failed to signal any lane changes or turns. He traveled at reckless speeds and was in the wrong travel lane on several occasions.
As the pursuit entered Price, the suspect turned into the entrance of Legacy Inn RV Park. The explorer left the paved area traveling through a dirt and vegetated area, continuing through the new business construction site of JN Auto. The Explorer was still traveling at a high rate of speed for the area and conditions.
The suspect then crossed Gopher Boulevard and entered the parking lot of Market Express Chevron. The suspect traveled at a high rate of speed in between the fuel station and the store front where there were multiple customers present, posing a very dangerous situation as the suspect was driving with disregard to the safety of others.
The suspect continued back across Gopher Boulevard, driving over the curb and gutter areas. The suspect then drove back through the construction site at a high rate of speed, going airborne at one point. Abrica attempted to navigate the RV park but cornered himself in. The suspect vehicle then came to a stop as it struck the Legacy Inn. At this time, multiple assisting officers attempted to apprehend Abrica as he was fleeing on foot, disregarding all officer’s commands to stop.
The suspect fled on foot into a nearby neighborhood and attempted to conceal himself by changing his clothing attire. Law enforcement officers who were right behind Abrica were able to take him into custody without further incident.
At the time of his arrest, Abrica had in his possession, a glass pipe with white residue, a plastic wrapper, containing a white substance, a large amount of cash, and two blank checks belonging to an individual out of Provo, Utah.
After being cleared by medical, Abrica was transported and booked into the Carbon County Jail on the following charges: Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, a 2nd Degree Felony; Receiving Stolen Property, a 3rd Degree Felony; Failure to Respond to Officer Signal to Stop, a 3rd Degree Felony; Obstruction of Justice in a Criminal Investigation, a 3rd Degree Felony; Failure to Stop at the Command of Peace Officer, a Class A Misdemeanor; Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class A Misdemeanor; Driving on Suspension, a Class B Misdemeanor; Interlock Restricted Driver, a Class B Misdemeanor; Reckless Driving, a Class B Misdemeanor; Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Property Damage, a Class B Misdemeanor; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Class B Misdemeanor; License Plate and Registration, a Class C Misdemeanor; Speeding, Turning or Changing Lanes without Signal, Duty to Operate on Right Side of Roadway, Failure to Yield Right of Way and five Statewide Warrants.
All formal charges will be screened by the Carbon County Attorney’s Office.
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Price City Police Department, Helper City Police Department, Carbon Metro Drug Task Force and USU Eastern Police Department for their assistance on the pursuit and apprehension of Abrica.