Just after 8 a.m., on Monday, July 18, 2022, a Garfield County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle in Panguitch, Utah, for running a stop sign. Two adults and their two children were outside the vehicle with officers when the male driver forced his way past the officers and was able to flee the scene in the car.
The Garfield officers pursued the vehicle southbound on Highway 89 eventually crossing over into Kane County. The suspect’s vehicle, a 2005 Mercedes Sedan, reached speeds over 110 MPH and was able to pull ahead of the pursuing officers. Kane County Deputies and UHP Troopers began heading to the north end of the county to assist.
A northbound Kane County Deputy encountered the suspect’s vehicle travelling southbound in Glendale, Utah. He began to pursue the vehicle which was still travelling in excess of 100 MPH. The suspect vehicle turned around near the North Event Center in Orderville and began heading north again.
Another Kane County Deputy prepared to deploy a set of tire spikes at MP 97, which is at the top of the hill past the Bryce Zion Campground in Glendale Canyon. The deputy had parked his vehicle on the southbound side of the road and had the southbound traffic begin stopping behind him. He was on the opposite side of the road waiting for the northbound suspect vehicle. As the vehicle was approaching, the deputy maneuvered his spikes into position. The suspect vehicle swerved to miss the spikes and impacted the front of the deputy’s empty patrol vehicle.
The suspect, Curtis E. Heisler, 34, Phoenix, Ariz., was quickly taken into custody. Cedar Mountain Fire Protection District emergency medical staff attended to Heisler while waiting for a Life Flight helicopter to arrive. He was flown to St. George Regional Hospital where his injuries were evaluated. He was quickly released from the hospital and transported to the Garfield County Jail, where he was booked on numerous charges.
The incident is still under investigation by the Garfield and Kane County Sheriff’s Offices. Kane County would like to thank the many agencies that assisted with this dangerous situation. We are grateful for the safe outcome and that no first responders were injured.
