Suspect Allegedly Reached 120 MPH in I-15 Chase Near Beaver

Image: (kutv)

A man accused of leading Utah Highway Patrol troopers on a dangerous high-speed pursuit along Interstate 15 near Beaver is now facing multiple felony charges.

Adarian Deantae Murrell, 25, from Harker Heights, Texas, was booked into the Beaver County Jail on suspicion of second-degree felony possession or transfer of a stolen vehicle, two counts of third-degree felony aggravated assault, and two counts of felony evading police.

In addition, Murrell faces several misdemeanor charges, including reckless driving, drug possession, and using license plates registered to another vehicle. Court documents also show he has a prior criminal record involving grand theft auto.

Authorities allege Murrell was behind the wheel of a stolen black Lexus SUV during the chase. The incident began when a state trooper spotted the SUV speeding nearly 20 mph over the posted limit near 600 South and Main Street in Beaver. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, Murrell allegedly accelerated aggressively and refused to pull over.

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He then entered I-15, reportedly driving recklessly and reaching speeds of more than 120 mph. At one point, Murrell exited the freeway and re-entered going the wrong direction, traveling north in the southbound lanes.

“The vehicle continued traveling the wrong way creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to motorists driving southbound,” the trooper stated in a probable cause affidavit. Murrell allegedly continued this dangerous behavior until he reached the I-70/I-15 interchange at mile marker 132, where he crossed the median and began traveling north in the correct lanes.

Troopers briefly lost sight of the Lexus, but Beaver County Sheriff’s deputies later spotted it again heading south. Murrell allegedly crossed the median once more and began driving the wrong way in the northbound lanes.

The pursuit ended only after officers stopped the vehicle by ramming it head-on with a patrol car. Murrell was taken into custody without further incident.

Investigators later confirmed the Lexus had been reported stolen out of Southern California on August 30. A search of the SUV revealed marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside.

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