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SLCPD Investigating Three Serious Injury Crashes, Reminds Road Users About Safety

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is reminding community members about road safety after patrol officers have responded to three serious injury crashes within a week.

The first investigation began at 12:09 a.m. on Saturday February 17, 2024, when SLC911 received reports of a crash with injuries near 900 South 300 West.

Based on preliminary information, the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Julian Navarrete, crashed his Jeep Cherokee into an SUV, a scooter, and a man standing in the parking lot near a business.

The crash briefly pinned the victim against the building.

Community members immediately started life-saving efforts.

Navarrete is accused of getting out of the Jeep and running away. Community members chased after him and held him down until SLCPD officers safely took him into custody.

Paramedics took the man to the hospital in critical condition, but doctors later upgraded his condition. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Officers booked Navarrete into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.

The second investigation began at 9:33 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, when SLC911 received reports of a crash with injuries near 700 East Wilmington Avenue.

Based on preliminary information, a 35-year-old man ran into the road as he crossed the nearby commuter rail lines.

As the man illegally crossed the road, a truck going south on 700 East hit him.

Based on preliminary information, the truck driver performed an evasive maneuver to avoid hitting the man.

The driver remained on scene and cooperated with officers.

Paramedics took the 35-year-old man to the hospital in critical condition, but doctors later upgraded his condition. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The third investigation started at 9:14 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, when SLC911 received reports of a crash near 600 North 900 West.

Officers arrived on scene and found a 28-year-old man on the ground.

Paramedics took the man to the hospital in critical condition, but doctors later upgraded his condition. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Officers learned a car hit the 28-year-old man as he rode an e-bike.

Based on preliminary information, the driver of the car had a green light while traveling north on 900 West.

It appears the man on the e-bike illegally crossed the intersection on a red light and collided with the northbound car.

The driver of the car remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

Neither the driver in the second or third crash have been arrested or cited.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is offering the following safety reminders for road users:

·       Look for, and expect, other road users at all times.

·       Use extra caution when using the road during inclement weather or darkness.

·       When approaching an intersection, always be prepared for someone unexpected, to enter the road.

·       Never pass another vehicle at or near an intersection. The car nearby maybe slowing down for a person for whom you cannot see.

·       All road users should obey traffic control devices and the posted speed limit.

·       Ensure your vehicle’s headlights are turned on – even during the day – and they are in good working condition.

·       Road users should wear reflective clothing or have additional lighting to make their presence known.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

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