Wellsville man arraigned on felony theft charges after high-speed chase

Booking photo for Beau D. Nopens (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).

LOGAN — Criminal charges have been filed against a 35-year-old Wellsville man who is suspected of stealing a truck and trying to flee from law enforcement. Beau D. Nopens is being held in the Cache County Jail, since being arrested Saturday afternoon.

Nopens was arraigned in 1st District Court Tuesday afternoon, appearing by video from jail. He was charged with felony theft and failing to stop at the command of law enforcement, along with misdemeanor criminal trespass, reckless driving and other crimes.

Sheriff’s deputies allege Nopens stole a black extended cab pickup in Wellsville early Saturday morning. When they spotted him west of Logan, he led law enforcement on a lengthy high-speed chase through the north end of the county.

The pursuit ended when Nopens allegedly crashed the truck in the Cove area, attempted to break into a home, and fled on foot. He was later found in Richmond after employees reported a suspicious person at their business.

During Tuesday’s arraignment, Cache County Deputy Attorney Griffin Hazard asked for Nopens to be held without bail. He explained that the alleged crimes proved that the suspect was a flight risk and a danger to the public.

Public defender Diane Pitcher disagreed. She explained that Nopens is from the area and has strong family support, who were in the courtroom for the hearing.

Nopens spoke only briefly during the hearing. He requested a court appointed attorney, claiming that he hasn’t had a job in 38-40 months.

Judge Angela Fonnesbeck agreed with Hazzard. She ordered Nopens to be held without bail.

Nopens was ordered to appear again in court November 19. He could face up 15-years in prison if convicted.


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