In West Valley City, authorities reported the arrest of a man believed to be responsible for automobile homicide. The man was driving under the influence when he hit and killed a West Valley City man who was crossing the road according to the police.
56-year-old Zay Speed was booked into Salt County Jail last Sunday morning for investigation regarding the incident.
The victim was allegedly jaywalking near 4000 South and Redwood Road when he was hit by a white minivan. According to the report, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
West Valley City Police Sgt. Jeff Conger said that Speed continued down the road before stopping behind some businesses where police found him. Police authorities added that there were indications that Speed was driving under the influence of drugs.
Automobile homicide, as defined by the 76 Utah Criminal Code Chapter 5 Section 207, is a third degree felony if the person operates a motor vehicle in a negligent manner causing the death of another and:
(i) has sufficient alcohol in his body that a subsequent chemical test shows that the person has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of the test;
(ii) is under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of alcohol and any drug to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating a vehicle; or
(iii) has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 grams or greater at the time of operation.
(b) A conviction for a violation of this Subsection (2) is a second degree felony if it is subsequent to a conviction as defined in Subsection 41-6a-501(2).
(c) As used in this Subsection (2), “negligent” means simple negligence, the failure to exercise that degree of care that reasonable and prudent persons exercise under like or similar circumstances.
FIX ME RIGHT NOW PLEASEChristensen & Hymas offers its condolences to the family. We urge every motorist to watch carefully for pedestrians. Follow speed limits and do not drive if you are intoxicated.
Original article by Emilee Eagar of Deseret News
Photo courtesy of Rennett Stowe.