SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (KUTV) — A hit-and-run incident on Sept. 11 resulted in the death of a man walking along 900 West.
According to South Salt Lake Police, 51-year-old Tewelde Mekenon was struck by a vehicle driven by 53-year-old James Shama Pualale, who then left the scene. Authorities responded to reports of the incident at 10:05 p.m. and discovered vehicle parts at the site.
Investigation revealed that Pualale was later located at an apartment complex, with the vehicle linked to him being a 2014-2020 Toyota Sienna. He reportedly admitted to police that he had been involved in the accident and expressed concern about the victim's condition.
Pualale, now facing charges including second-degree felony for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He has a history of driving on a suspended license, with several prior offenses documented.
Court records indicate that Pualale is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 13. He remains in custody following a bail hearing.
This incident is part of a rising trend in Utah, where crashes involving unlicensed drivers have increased significantly over recent years. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, unlicensed driver incidents rose from approximately 4% of all crashes in 2019 to around 12.5% in 2024.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.