FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2025

Media Contact Information

PolicePIO@slc.gov

https://police.slc.gov/mediarequest/

SLCPD Investigating Deadly Hit and Run Crash in Downtown, Suspect Arrested

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is investigating a hit and run crash that resulted in the death of a 41-year-old man.

Officers have arrested a 61-year-old man who is accused of automobile homicide and other crimes.

This investigation began at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, when Gold Cross Ambulance personnel found an unresponsive man near 400 South and 200 East.

Despite life-saving efforts, the man died on scene.

Evidence indicated the man had been hit by a vehicle.

The driver did not stop or remain at the scene.

As part of the initial response, SLCPD officers requested help from the Utah Transit Authority Police Department (UTAPD).

UTA quickly reviewed video from their nearby public safety cameras and provided a description of the suspect vehicle.

That information was shared with public safety agencies throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

While clearing the crash scene, firefighters from the Salt Lake City Fire Department (SLCFD) spotted a vehicle parked in the Trader Joe’s parking lot off 400 South that matched the vehicle description provided by UTA.

When firefighters approached the vehicle to check for injuries, they found the suspected driver.

The man reportedly attempted to leave again, but firefighters ordered him to stay and kept him at the scene until SLCPD officers arrived and took him into custody without incident.

Preliminary information suggests the driver may have been impaired at the time of the crash. The investigation into that component of the case that remains ongoing.

Officers booked the suspect, 61-year-old Steven Ray Weathers, into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of automobile homicide, failure to remain at the scene of a crash involving death, and driving on a denied license.

The SLCPD’s major crash team and Crime Lab Unit responded to process the scene and take over the investigation.

UTA’s assistance reviewing video and the vigilance of Salt Lake City firefighters were critical to the quick identification and apprehension of the suspect.

The SLCPD is grateful for their outstanding assistance and interagency coordination.

The identity of the man killed is not being released at this time, pending family notification.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 801-799-3000.

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.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction (CAR) Unit investigates serious crashes involving severe injuries or death across the Salt Lake Valley. As part of a multi-jurisdictional task force, CAR detectives are specially trained in collision analysis, vehicle dynamics, speed calculations, and evidence collection. They carefully map crash scenes, analyze vehicle movement, and manage cases through to prosecution. Their work ensures accurate investigations and strong collaboration with regional law enforcement partners.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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