Police K-9 leads officers to suspect during chase through backyards in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A man is behind bars after leading police on a chase through multiple backyards Wednesday.

Juan Mena, 28, was arrested and booked on charges of prohibited dangerous weapon conduct and failing to stop for law enforcement.

An officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department observed a white Volkswagen Jetta that “did not properly yield at several stop signs,” charging documents claim.

Police say the vehicle, driven by Mena, continued to drive for “a time period longer than typical” after officers attempted to pull him over.

According to charging documents, Mena stopped in the middle of the roadway before exiting the car and running. Officers chased him through several backyards, hopping over multiple fences.

Mena allegedly escaped the pursuing officer for a time, until a containment perimeter was established by SLCPD. Officers say they located him again running across an apartment complex parking lot using a police K-9.

Officers then took him into custody when they found methamphetamine, marijuana, and a loaded handgun, court documents show. Mena allegedly attempted to hide the gun in his girlfriend’s purse after seeing police.