This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Cottonwood Heights police have released the identity of a fugitive motorcyclist who allegedly shoved his son off his bike at a traffic stop and then sped away.
Cottonwood Heights police Sgt. Mark Askerlund said the incident occurred Tuesday when a motorcycle officer pulled over Brian E. Johnson, 42, of Millcreek, on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The stop was made on 6400 South near 1300 East.
When the officer approached the man, he suddenly pushed his 13-year-old son off the rear of the seat of his bike, telling him to run as the father sped away, Askerlund said.
Police later learned that Johnson was wanted on a $50,000 arrest warrant for alleged possession of a controlled substance.
Askerlund said the officer did not pursue the suspect, but the man was soon spotted by Unified Police Department officers who chased him for a distance before losing him.
The 13-year-old was not injured. Police found Johnson's bike and clothing at a Millcreek residence.
Anyone with information on Johnson's whereabouts is asked to call Cottonwood Heights police at 801-840-4000.