Man in custody following high-speed chase near Iona
Published at
The following is a news release from Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
AMMON – On December 19th at approximately 11 p.m., Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a robbery at Hitt The Road gas station at Ammon and Lincoln Road. As Deputies arrived, they were advised a Hispanic male wearing a mask entered the business demanding money from the clerk, while indicating he may have a weapon under a sweatshirt. The clerk gave the man a small amount of money from the register and the suspect left the store in a silver car.
Deputies quickly put out a description of the suspect and vehicle to area law enforcement. Deputies, Idaho Falls Police, Idaho State Police and Ucon Police were in positions around the general area of the store looking for the suspect vehicle. Within a few minutes, deputies at the store and arriving to the area observed a silver Honda matching the description of the robbery suspect traveling at a high rate of speed through the roundabout at Ammon and Lincoln Road. The suspect headed east down Lincoln Road and deputies pursued him to 55th East and then north through Iona. The suspect lost control on the ice at approximately 57th North. During the pursuit, deputies observed the vehicle drive through the middle of the Lincoln Road roundabout at 45th East, run stop signs at 55th East and through the city of Iona at speeds in excess of 75 mph before losing control and running off the road.
As deputies approached the vehicle, they found one male occupant inside who refused commands to exit the vehicle. Because it was reported the suspect in the robbery may have a weapon, a K-9 was deployed into the vehicle and pulled the man out where deputies could safely secure him. In doing so, the man continued to resist by fighting with the K-9 and deputies. He was quickly secured.
Deputies identified the man as 28-year-old Juan Carlos Rosales of Idaho Falls and found him to be wearing the same clothing as described in the robbery. Deputies were also able to match store surveillance pictures of the suspect with Rosales and the vehicle he was driving, as well as recover money taken from the register inside the vehicle. In addition, deputies found evidence of alcohol use and were able to obtain a search warrant for a blood sample.
Rosales was taken to Idaho Falls Community Hospital and treated for minor dog bite injuries before being cleared and transported to the Bonneville County Jail. Rosales was booked on felonies for robbery, eluding, and driving under the influence, along with misdemeanor resisting arrest. There were no other injuries to victims, deputies or the K-9 involved in this incident.
The case remains under investigation.