Officers took several reports of graffiti being spray painted on Spanish Fork City and Nebo School District property. Those places vandalized were the Jr. High, Larsen Elementary, High School and Spanish Fork City Skate Park. All appear to have been made by the same suspect(s). A photograph of graffiti appearing at each location is attached. The paint colors used were mainly yellow and black. Anyone with information on this crime may contact the Police Department at 798-5070.
February 26
Officer Jeremy Anderson attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for a minor traffic violation. The suspect driver attempted to flee from Officer Anderson and while doing so stalled his truck. Officer Anderson made contact with the driver. The suspect driver did not have a Utah drivers license and indicated he had one from Arizona. Upon further investigation Officer Anderson found that the suspect driver had provided false identification, was in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia such as scales, small zip lock bags and syringes. The true identity was determined and warrants were found on the suspect. The suspect Scott Waugaman was booked into Utah County Jail for possession of the drug and paraphernalia, failure to respond to an officers signal, false information to an officer and two warrants.
Patrol Sergeant Brandon Anderson was dispatched to Kmart Pharmacy on a forged prescription. Two adult female suspects were identified. After interviews and a brief investigation they admitted to the forgeries and the theft of the prescription pad papers. These suspects were referred to the Utah County Attorney's Office for related charges.
February 22
Patrol Sergeant Brandon Anderson was dispatched to a fire that had taken place at the Russell Swenson Ball Park in an equipment room. The fire was no longer burning. The damage is estimated to be around $15,000. Detective Sergeant Richard Hales responded to the scene and gathered evidence. It appears at this time that this is an arson fire. Any leads to this case may be forwarded to Detective Sergeant Richard Hales at 798-5070.
February 7
At 0425 hours Officer Zac Adams saw a vehicle that was parked at the stop sign. A citizen was knocking on the window of the stopped vehicle. The citizen called to Officer Adams exclaiming "this guy needs help." As Officer Adams approached the vehicle the driver appeared to wake up, see Officer Adams and then began to drive away. The driver/suspect was driving 10-15 miles per hour with a driving pattern consistent with an intoxicated driver. Officer Adams attempted to get the driver to stop by use of his patrol car's overheads and siren. The suspect driver failed to respond. The suspect entered the on ramp of Main Street and North-Bound I-15 at approximately 70-75 miles per hour. Officer Adams terminated his pursuit of the suspect and advised other agencies of the situation. The suspect exited off of I-15 at the Springville exit in front of Walmart. It was there that a County Deputy and two other officers intercepted the vehicle as it came to a stop at the end of the off ramp. With the help of these officers the suspect was placed under arrest with out further incident. The suspect vehicle was searched. Officers found methamphetamine, paraphernalia and stolen property.The driver/suspect Derek Stringers of Payson was booked into the Utah County Jail.
Detective Nielsen and Officer Rudd came in contact with Jeffery Brown in the area 200 S 100 W. This area had recent complaints of trespassers. Brown was found to have a warrant for his arrest. After officers arrested Brown they then searched his car where they found methamphetamine and paraphernalia. Brown was booked into the Utah County Jail for his warrant, possession of methamphetamine, paraphernalia, driving on a revoked drivers license and trespassing.
February 6
In the early morning hours Sgt. Cory Slaymaker was informed of a sexual assault that had occurred in Spanish Fork. Sgt. Slaymaker spoke with the victim over the phone who was making the report from the American Fork Hospital. The victim, a 29 year old female from Cedar Valley, indicated that she was sexually assaulted while on a date with Richard Christiansen, a 30 year old male from Orem. Detective John Jackson was on duty at the time and responded to the hospital to meet with the victim. Later Detective Jackson and Sgt Richard Hales located the suspect and obtained a confession of the events. Richard Christiansen was booked into the County Jail for forcible sexual abuse.
February 3
At 0011 hours Officers Brunson and Zac Adams were dispatched to the Quail Hollow subdivision on a suspicious vehicle in the area. Chief Rosenbaum had observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of a home under construction that had no occupants. Chief Rosenbaum then called officers to the area. Officers checked the residence and located two male subjects inside the garage area. The subjects were placed under arrest, handcuffed and searched. Flashlights and knifes were located on both subjects. A small plastic bag with a white powder substance which tested positive for meth was located on one of the two males. The suspects were identified as David Bray and Christopher Larson. Their vehicle was searched and further items found that were possibly stolen. These items are: a saw, copper tubing, bolt cutters, and electric plugs. Detectives are now following up on these items in hopes of finding the rightful owners. Both suspects were booked into the Utah County Jail.
February 2
Detective Jones, who is assigned to Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, executed a search warrant in Pleasant Grove area. Detective Jones was investigating a 26 year old male from Spanish Fork who was suspected of dealing in methamphetamine and marijuana throughout the Utah County area. The suspect was living with a 23 year old women in the Pleasant Grove area. During the search of the home, officers recovered just over 1 pound of marijuana, small quantity of methamphetamine, paraphernalia and money. Four subjects were taken into custody and arrested for various charges. As a side note, two weeks ago the 23 year female had been arrested in Spanish Fork by patrol officers for possession of marijuana.
February 1
Officers were dispatched to the area of 1000 N 500 E on a report of an individual who had a warrant. A traffic stop was made on the suspect vehicle and contact made with driver Arthur Searle of Springville. Officers found that Searle had two outstanding warrants and was driving on a suspended license. Officers also found marijuana and paraphernalia in the vehicle. A female passenger from Provo admitted to the ownership of these items. She was cited and released at the scene. Searle was booked into the county jail on the warrants.
The information posted on this page is to inform as well as enhance local law enforcement efforts. If you have information on any of the open cases listed, please contact the Spanish Fork Police Department at 801-798-5070.
