PROVO, Utah (KUTV) — A man has been charged with murder following a DUI hit-and-run that resulted in a fatality on Saturday.
Paseto Penahipa Foalima, 38, faces multiple charges, including:
- Depraved indifference murder (first-degree felony)
- Assault against a peace officer with a dangerous weapon (second-degree felony)
- Failure to respond to an officer's signal to stop, causing death (second-degree felony)
- Failure to stop at an accident involving death (third-degree felony)
- Several misdemeanors related to DUI and reckless driving.
Authorities reported that Foalima, while driving southbound on 500 West, attempted to pass another vehicle at a stoplight on 500 North, hitting the rear driver's side and fleeing the scene. The driver pursued Foalima until he stopped in a church parking lot at 101 West 800 North.
Police noted signs of impairment, including the smell of alcohol and slurred speech. Foalima briefly complied with an officer's request to turn off his vehicle but then drove away, dragging the officer approximately ten feet.
After exiting the parking lot, Foalima allegedly ran two stop signs, driving up to 80 mph in a 25 mph zone before colliding with an 83-year-old woman turning left onto 400 North, fatally injuring her.
Foalima fled on foot but was apprehended after struggling with an officer, who deployed a Taser. He was taken to the hospital, where a blood test indicated a BAC of .228.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing further evidence from the incident.