A male speeding down Main Street in Vernal loses control, hits the traffic light pole, and then leaves the scene

By Travis Uresk

2/21/25

| Vernal, Ut. | February 19th, 2025 |

Vernal City Police Officer Maughan responded to the area of Vernal Ave and Main Street on a traffic accident report. It was reported that a vehicle had hit the traffic light pole and the driver was leaving the scene.

When the officer arrived at the accident, he found that the driver had already fled the area, leaving the passenger on scene. The passenger had noticeable bruising on their upper chest/neck area, likely caused by the seat belt.

It was also observed that the vehicle had extensive damage around the entirety of the vehicle with multiple airbags deployed.

At first, the passenger denied knowing who the driver was but later admitted that it was 19-year-old Jeriah Kiru Kolong.

The passenger also denied knowing where Jeriah had gone since they had seen him last. Multiple witnesses who saw the vehicle driving before the crash informed Officer Maughan that the vehicle appeared to be traveling around 90 miles per hour.

The passenger stated that Jeriah had been speeding and driving recklessly and estimated his speeds to be approximately 80 miles per hour, and later said, along with the bruising, they had sustained a broken finger from the crash.

Jeriah was not located until February 20th, 2025, when he walked into the Vernal City Police Department to see if he had a warrant. Jeriah had admitted to being the driver and leaving the scene after crashing.

Jeriah Kolong was transported to the Uintah County Jail.

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