Arizona fugitive arrested in Utah at West Valley Maverik

WEST VALLEY CITY — An Arizona fugitive wanted by Arizona authorities was spotted Sunday at a Walmart by West Valley City police and later arrested.

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

The man was identified as 54-year-old Norbert John. Johnson said he did not know if the person stabbed was still alive or had died.

Attempt to locate

Lt. Steve Burke of the West Valley City Police Department told KSL TV Sunday afternoon that there was an attempt to locate an alert sent out Friday by the Navajo Nation Tribal Police .

He said a search was underway for a 2021 Dodge Durango with tinted windows and an Arizona license plate. Tinted windows are illegal in Utah, according to Burke.

Additionally, Burke said the stabbing victim was a woman and believed the vehicle John allegedly stole belonged to the woman.

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

“A lot of us, when we get these 'attempts to locate,' we make a mental note of it,” Burke said of the lieutenant. “And some people are better than others. I know a few guys who have photographic memories, and they're very lucky when people just put a sweater in front of them.

Johnson said this is not an active pursuit. Police retreated and allowed a Department of Public Safety helicopter to follow the suspect. Shortly after 8:30 a.m., police were able to stop and arrest John without incident at a nearby Maverik. It is unknown if John has any criminal history.

John was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Arizona to face charges.