January 25, 2025

Media Contact Information

PolicePIO@slc.gov

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

SLCPD Warns of Impaired Driving Dangers After High-Speed DUI Crash Involving Four Cars in Downtown, Driver Arrested

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is once again reminding community members about the dangers of impaired driving after a high-speed four-car crash in downtown.

“Driving impaired is an inexcusable and reckless decision that puts our entire community in danger,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. “The victims of these crashes can be left with life-altering injuries, emotional trauma, and, in the worst cases, the loss of life. I urge everyone to make responsible choices by planning ahead, using a designated driver, or calling for a ride. There is just never an excuse for putting lives at risk.”

The investigation started at approximately 8:48 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, when an SLCPD officer, headed to line-up at the Public Safety Building, encountered the crash scene moments after it occurred.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the suspect driver, identified as 18-year-old Cesar Rojas, drove northbound on State Street at speeds significantly greater than the posted limit when he crashed into a car stopped at the red light.

The impact cause severe damage to the car, which then overturned.

Two other cars at the intersection sustained secondary impacts resulting from the initial crash.

The 22-year-old woman inside the overturned car received only minor injuries. She later went to the hospital to be evaluated.

Officers assigned to the SLCPD’s Motor Squad and crash investigation officers responded and determined Rojas to be impaired at the time of the crash.

Officers booked Rojas into the Salt Lake County Metro jail on charges of driving under the influence and negligently operating a vehicle resulting in injury.

Several photos from the scene are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

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 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.

Photo: A 19-year-old impaired driver, not pictured, caused a high-speed, four-car crash at 400 South State Street, severely damaging one vehicle and overturning another, resulting in minor injuries to a 22-year-old female driver (SLCPD photo-January 24, 2025).

Photo: A suspected impaired driving crash at 400 South State Street caused severe rear-end damage to one vehicle, which then overturned, while two other vehicles sustained secondary impacts from the high-speed collision (SLCPD photo-January 24, 2025).

Photo: Broken glass and debris litter the scene of a suspected impaired driving crash as an overturned vehicle rests on its roof, while a Salt Lake City police car with flashing lights blocks traffic following the high-speed crash (SLCPD photo-January 24, 2025).

Photo: An overturned car rests on its roof while multiple police cars secure the scene at 400 South State Street following a suspected impaired driving crash (SLCPD photo-January 24, 2025).

###