Arizona fugitive arrested in Utah at West Valley Maverick

WEST VALLEY CITY – A fugitive wanted by Arizona state authorities was discovered and arrested by West Valley City police at a Walmart on Sunday.

Lt. MT Johnson said Arizona sent information about “a gentleman wanted for a stabbing and in a stolen vehicle.” Johnson said he spotted the stolen car around 7:15 a.m. at the Walmart at 5675 W. 6200 South

The man was identified as 54-year-old Norbert John. Johnson said he was unsure if the person stabbed was still alive or had already died.

Attempt to locate

On Sunday afternoon, Lt. Steve Burke of the West Valley City Police Department told KSL TV that there was a tracking alert from the Navajo Nation Tribal Police on Friday.

He said they were looking for a 2021 Dodge Durango with tinted windows and an Arizona license plate. Tinted windows are illegal in Utah, Burke said.

In addition, Burke said that the victim of the stabbing was a woman and that he was convinced that the vehicle John allegedly stole belonged to the woman.

A lieutenant on duty recognized the car while on patrol, Burke said.

“Many of us keep these ‘tracking attempts’ in our heads,” Burke said of the lieutenant. “And some people are better than others. I know a few people who have photographic memories, and they’re very lucky if people just show them a photo.”

Johnson said it was not an active pursuit. Police withdrew and had a Department of Public Safety helicopter pursue the suspect. Shortly after 8:30 a.m., police were able to apprehend and arrest John without incident at a nearby Maverik. It is unclear if John has a criminal past.

John was taken to the Salt Lake County Jail and awaits extradition to Arizona to face charges.