ST. GEORGE — A Hurricane man has been charged with felony evading and DUI following an arrest in LaVerkin on New Year’s Day after he reportedly fled from police with a toddler in the vehicle, similar to an incident the suspect was arrested for in August 2021.
The recent charges stem from an incident that began Sunday shortly after midnight when a patrol officer in Laverkin noticed a white Chevrolet pickup with one headlight heading north on State Street, according to charging documents filed with the court.
As the truck continued toward 100 North, the officer got behind the pickup and initiated a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, however, the suspect sped away and continued north on State Street, the report states.
The suspect turned onto 300 North to head west with the officer following close behind – emergency lights and siren activated. After the suspect turned onto North 170 West, he pulled over and stopped the truck, ending the pursuit.
Police say the driver appeared to be staggering as he exited the vehicle and was unable to maintain balance as he was ordered to show his hands while the officer walked toward the rear of the pickup truck.
The officer said he detected the strong odor of alcohol coming from the suspect’s direction. When asked, the driver reportedly said he had drunk three beers prior to the encounter with police. Officers also found a 3-year-old child in the pickup truck.
The driver was identified as a Hurricane resident, 27-year-old Ryan William Sawyers, who was taken into custody by police.
A records check revealed that Sawyers was an alcohol-restricted driver following a DUI arrest that took place near Sand Hollow State Park in August 2021.
In that case, the suspect was stopped by an officer for allegedly driving recklessly just outside of the park, and during the stop, officers found a toddler riding in the truck as well, similar to the incident over the holiday weekend.
After pleading guilty to the charge, Sawyers was placed on probation and restricted from consuming alcohol.
Following the traffic stop in LaVerkin, Sawyers was transported to Purgatory Correctional Facility. Once there, Sawyers reportedly became combative and refused to submit to a chemical test, police say.
The officer obtained a warrant and the test was administered a short while later.
In situations where a child is present during the arrest of a parent or primary caregiver, such as the case on New Year’s Day, the officer is often tasked with protecting the interest of the child by arranging for the temporary care of the youngster.
LaVerkin City Police Chief Nick Nuccitelli told St. George News that a family friend of Sawyer, who lived at the residence he parked in front of during the traffic stop, provided temporary care for the child until the youngster’s mother arrived and took custody of the little girl.
On Tuesday, Sawyers was formally charged with felony evading, as well as one count each of DUI with a minor in the vehicle, being an alcohol-restricted driver and refusing a chemical test.
Bail was set at $3,000 and the suspect was released the following day after posting a bond.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
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