ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 Utah) -A Police chase Monday in St. George led to the arrest of a man police called armed and dangerous—a suspect in a double-stabbing.
The arrest happened near Fossil Ridge Intermediate School and police contacted the school to keep the students safe.
“The minute the suspect was seen leaving the area, and the pursuit began, we did notify Fossil Ridge Intermediate School and they were put on a lockout for the safety of the students,” said Captain Mike Giles with St. George City Police Department.
Twenty-six-year-old Sione Vaitai was taken into custody after St. George Police stopped his truck with a PIT Maneuver Monday morning.
“PIT maneuver was employed on two separate occasions, once by the Utah Highway Patrol and once by an officer from our agency. His vehicle was disabled, and he did comply with officers and was taken into custody,” said Giles.
Police say Vaitai was arguing with family Friday night in Sandy when the stabbing happened.
“During that incident he apparently grabbed some type of large knife and attacked his father and juvenile sister,” said Sgt. Jason Nielsen with the Sandy Police Department.
Both his sister and father were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Sandy Police say Vaitai took off. Then, they got the tip they needed.
“We received a tip early [Monday], or [Sunday night], that Sione Vaitai was in the St. George area,” said Nielsen.
Sandy Police let St. George Police know.
“Been communicating with Sandy City to try to determine what course of action we needed to take,” said Giles.
Police say Vaitai faces multiple charges—the investigation still ongoing.
“Just thankful that somebody was able to provide the tip, which led to the capture of Sione. Without that, we’d still be looking for him,” said Nielsen.
