Halloween Pursuit on I-80 Ends Safely

(NOVEMBER 2, 2015) — A Layton, Utah resident failed to have enough “tricks” on Halloween to avoid arrest by WHP Troopers during a pursuit in a stolen SUV.  38-year-old Thomas W. Wixom, was arrested on October 31st after a safe end to a vehicle pursuit.

Around 3:30 p.m., WHP Troopers were advised of a stolen 2009 Jeep Liberty that was traveling east on Interstate 80 near mile post eight just east of Evanston, Wyoming. Troopers located the vehicle near mile post 26 and attempted to stop it five miles further down the highway. Wixom did not stop and accelerated up to 110 mph.

As Wixom continued to flee eastbound on I-80, additional WHP Troopers responded and successfully deployed stop stick tire deflation devices at mile post 59 on the Jeep. The two front tires of the Jeep eventually deflated reducing the speeds in the pursuit significantly.

After three more stop stick deployments by Troopers at mile posts 72, 81 and 86, all tires on the Jeep were deflated.

With all four tires deflated, Wixom continued east at speeds varying between 10 and 20 mph. At one point, the right front area of the vehicle had caught fire from the lack of a tire.

Wixom eventually lost control of the Jeep just west of Green River, Wyoming at mile post 88 and crashed into the cable barrier in the median ending the pursuit safely.

Wixom was not injured and was taken into custody. He has been transported to the Uinta County Jail in Evanston. Wixom was charged with wrongful taking of property, eluding, property destruction, possession of suspected methamphetamine, and speeding. The pursuit spanned approximately 57 miles on I-80 and lasted 51 minutes. The Jeep had been stolen from Layton, Utah on the same day of the pursuit.

Evanston Pursuit

*Photo Courtesy: Wyoming Highway Patrol