LOGAN — A 25-year-old Logan man has confessed to multiple vehicle thefts and other crimes. Erasmo J. Garcia accepted a plea deal that will still send him to jail or possibly prison.
Garcia appeared in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He pleaded guilty to multiple crimes, including theft and possession of a controlled substance, both third-degree felonies; and six other misdemeanors. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors reduced or dropped several of the charges.
Garcia was arrested earlier this month after police asked for the public’s help locating him. He had been breaking into vehicles that were unlocked, stealing wallets, purses and other valuables.
Officers had tried to arrest Garcia previously. Each time, he reportedly fled in a vehicle or would runaway on foot.
During Monday’s court appearance, Cache County Deputy Attorney Griffin Hazard explained how on September 15, police observed Garcia driving 85 mph in a 35 mph zone. The defendant crashed the car into a utility pole and fled the scene on foot.
Griffin said, two weeks later Garcia stole a car from a friend and wrecked it. He again fled the crash scene on foot before police could arrest him.
Last year, Garcia escaped from custody, walking away from a jail work release program. He was spotted days later in Hyrum and led deputies on a brief high-speed chase into Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Garcia was later sentenced to serve six-months in jail.
Garcia did not speak during Monday’s hearing. He was ordered to remain in jail and appear for sentencing December 2.