This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Police throughout Salt Lake Valley were on the lookout Thursday for an "armed and dangerous" fugitive who led officers on a prolonged high-speed chase before ditching his car — and a female companion — as he fled on foot.
The 25-year-old woman who was with him early Thursday morning was caught by police after she, too, tried to run from where the car was abandoned, at 627 E. 5400 South in Murray.
The woman was booked into the Salt Lake County jail on suspicion of fleeing police, but 26-year-old fugitive Jason Val Stout remained at large Thursday.
Stout, who also goes by the street names "Jay-Nut" and "Champ," is wanted on a $10,000 arrest warrant issued in March for allegedly possessing a stolen vehicle and burglary tools. Third District Court records show Stout has a criminal history stretching back to 2006 and ranging from drug-related offenses to automobile theft, attempted theft and various firearms and traffic violations.
Just after midnight, a West Valley City police officer spotted Stout driving in the area of 3500 South and 2200 West. When he attempted to stop the vehicle, Stout sped away.
The pursuit, at one point suspended when Stout allegedly turned off his lights and careened into oncoming traffic lanes, continued into Murray and onto Redwood Road, where officers were able to spike a rear tire near 5400 South. The abandoned car was found moments later.
Police believe Stout is armed and urge anyone who sees him to not approach the suspect, but instead call 911.
Twitter: @remims