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KANAB — Criminal charges were filed Thursday against a Sandy man accused of leading officers from multiple agencies on a high speed chase that started in Zion National Park and didn't end until they were past Fredonia, in Arizona.
David Frank Magriplis, 62, is charged in 6th District Court with assault on a police officer, a second-degree felony; failing to stop at the command of police, a third-degree felony; reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor; reckless driving and exhibition driving, class B misdemeanors; and five traffic infractions including speeding and running a red light.
Late on the evening of Oct. 16, rangers at Zion National Park said they spotted Magriplis speeding near the small tunnel area and attempted to pull him over. Magriplis continued speeding out of the east entrance to the park and got onto U.S. 89 headed toward Kanab, according to the Kane County Sheriff's Office.
A sheriff's deputy who was responding to the incident was forced off the road when Magriplis intentionally drove into oncoming traffic, prompting the deputy to take evasive action to avoid a head-on collision, according to charging documents.
"While driving through Kane County, (Magriplis) reached speeds of 106 mph in a 65-mph zone, passed vehicles in no passing zones, (ran) at least three vehicles off the road, (and forced) other vehicles to run over spikes," the charges state.
At one point, Magriplis "brake checked" a pursuing deputy, nearly causing a crash, according to the charges.
Magriplis was able to avoid one set of police spikes just north of Kanab. When he crossed into Fredonia, Arizona, and drove past Jacob Lake, officers from Arizona assisted in setting up more spikes, according to the sheriff's office. A park ranger stationed at Lee's Ferry was able to respond and successfully spike the fleeing vehicle's tires, bringing his vehicle to a stop.
"This was a dangerous situation and I am pleased with the professional response of the deputies and officers involved. I am glad it came to a peaceful resolution and no one was injured," Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover said in a statement.
Criminal chargers are also pending for Magriplis in Arizona.
