On Sep. 20 a Sevier County Deputy was driving behind a vehicle on Interstate 70 when the vehicle in front of him cut across the median and almost got in an accident with a semi coming the opposite direction. The vehicle then came back across the median and pulled off the side of the roadway.

The deputy pulled up behind the individual, Matthew Murdock, age 38, to check on him and discovered he had several drivers license violations. Due to the odor of alcohol, Murdock was believed to be impaired.

Murdock fled the scene on foot and Richfield city officers and other deputies responded to assist and were able to catch him running towards Richfield.

According to Sevier county Sheriff Nathan Curtis, while being searched by officers at the jail, Murdock “tried to swallow a ball of heroin” and had to be taken to the hospital to counteract the heroin. While impounding Murdock’s vehicle, drug paraphernalia and a straw containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine was found.

Murdock was arrested on 11 offenses including DUI, reckless driving, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, failing to stop at command of a peace officer and more.