Multistate chase ends in Bannock County

A Preston man was in the Bannock County Jail Friday after leading police from several agencies on multiple chases beginning Wednesday.

Wyatt Michael Tripp, 19, was originally being sought by Utah police for stealing a truck.

The Utah Highway Patrol began chasing him Wednesday before allowing the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to pick up the pursuit on Thursday.

After Franklin County sheriff’s deputies lost sight of Tripp in Preston, he was spotted again early Friday morning by Bannock County sheriff’s deputies on Interstate 15 near Inkom.

Sheriff Lorin Nielsen said Tripp was chased through the streets of Inkom before he headed north on I-15.

He allegedly dodged two sets of spike strips, nearly hit a semitruck while traveling the wrong way on an onramp while reaching speeds of up to 95 mph.

At one point, Nielsen said, pursuing deputies lost contact with Tripp, but the chase resumed just before 2 a.m. Friday on Pocatello Creek Road.

Nielsen said Tripp headed east before turning off onto a private dirt road near the end of Pocatello Creek Road. Tripp allegedly made it up a hill before reaching a metal gate and being boxed in by deputies.

Nielsen said Tripp had to be hit with a Taser and that he repeatedly fought with deputies.

“Two cop cars come screaming down with sirens, and then, about 30 minutes later, I heard other cars skidding out here on the dirt road,” said Glen Guiltner, who saw part of the chase from his porch.

Tripp is charged with two felony counts of fleeing and eluding and a single count of possession of a stolen vehicle. He was also wanted on a felony warrant out of Utah.

Utah authorities have already filed extradition papers.

Nielsen said more charges could be filed after his office obtains a warrant to do a blood test.