Man Charged With Automobile Homicide After Logan DUI Crash Victim Dies

LOGAN, Utah (KUTV) — A Smithfield man is facing a second-degree felony charge of automobile homicide after allegedly striking a pedestrian in a Logan parking lot while driving under the influence.

Court documents show that 44-year-old Chad Hurren Saunders was initially arrested on Aug. 16 on suspicion of negligently operating a vehicle and causing serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony.

Police responded to reports of an auto-pedestrian crash and discovered a woman with severe head injuries. She was first taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a trauma center. Authorities later confirmed that the victim succumbed to her injuries.

According to police, Saunders admitted to drinking alcohol the previous night and consuming several shots on the morning of the crash. He allegedly told officers he believed he was still under the influence when the incident occurred.

A blood draw was conducted with Saunders’ consent, though results have not yet been released, according to charging documents.